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Identification and analysis of microplastic abundance in the digestive tract of Baung fish (Mystus nemurus Valencionnes, 1840) in the waters of the Musi River, Palembang City
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Scientists studying Indonesia's Musi River found microplastic particles—tiny plastic bits mostly from broken-down plastic bags and packaging—in the digestive tracts of every single Baung fish they tested (30 out of 30). Since this fish is commonly eaten by local communities, the findings suggest that when people catch and eat fish from polluted waterways, they may also be consuming these plastic particles, raising concerns about long-term health effects that scientists are still working to understand.
The Musi River is the longest river in South Sumatra Province and plays a vital role as a major trade route, transportation corridor, and primary water source for local communities. The river is also utilized by various industries, including urea fertilizer manufacturing, rubber processing, and coal-related industries, as well as by densely populated residential areas along its banks, particularly in the city of Palembang. These anthropogenic and industrial activities contribute significantly to the pollution of the Musi River, including contamination by microplastics. This study identified a total of 356 microplastic particles, consisting of 27 fibers, 48 fragments, 251 films, and 30 foams. Film-type microplastics were the most dominant, primarily originating from the fragmentation of secondary plastics such as plastic bags and packaging materials commonly found in household waste. Analysis of Baung fish (Mystus nemurus) samples showed that all 30 specimens (100%) contained microplastics. These findings indicate a high level of microplastic contamination in the Musi River and demonstrate its potential adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health.
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Ecological and health risks of microplastic contamination in edible fish from the Musi River Palembang, Indonesia
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Researchers found microplastics in all ten fish species sampled from Indonesia's Musi River, with fragment-shaped PET, PE, and PVC particles being most common, though current consumption levels still put fish-eating locals in a low health-risk category. The findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and better plastic waste management to prevent risk from increasing over time.
Influence of fish length and weight on microplastic accumulation in freshwater fish from the Kahayan river, Indonesia
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Scientists found tiny plastic bits (mostly plastic fibers) inside most fish—65%—caught in an Indonesian river, with bigger fish tending to carry larger plastic fragments. This matters because these fish are eaten by local communities, meaning microplastics could be making their way into people's diets, though more research is needed to know exactly how much and how risky this is for our health.
THE ABUNDANCE OF MICROPLASTICS IN THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF SILVER BARB (Barbonymus gonionotus) FROM THE WATERS OF THE KARANG MUMUS RIVER, SAMARINDA CITY, INDONESIA
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Microplastics were found in all 20 silver barb fish examined from the Karang Mumus River in Samarinda, Indonesia, with an average of 22 particles per fish — mostly fiber-shaped and predominantly polyethylene. This is the first report of microplastic ingestion by fish in this river system, indicating that microplastic contamination has reached even rivers in less-studied parts of Southeast Asia. The results raise food safety concerns since silver barb is eaten by local communities, and suggest broader environmental contamination of the river ecosystem.
The Comparative Analysis of Microplastic Contamination in Kembung (Rastrelliger sp) and Kurisi Fish (Nemipterus nemurus) from Coastal Waters of Mangindara, Indonesia
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Researchers found tiny plastic fragments called microplastics in every single fish sample they tested from a polluted coastal village in Indonesia, with kurisi fish containing even more plastic bits than kembung fish. Since these fish are regularly caught and eaten by local communities, this means people may be unknowingly consuming plastic particles along with their seafood, highlighting why cutting back on single-use plastics and improving waste management matters for both ocean health and what ends up on our plates.
Contamination of microplastics in Brantas River, East Java, Indonesia and its distribution in gills and digestive tracts of fish Gambusia affinis
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Researchers sampled water, gills, and digestive tracts of fish in Indonesia's Brantas River and found microplastics in all three, with fragments under 0.1 mm making up the majority — demonstrating that river fish are actively ingesting microplastics that then accumulate in their bodies.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.