We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Measuring the Impact of Microplastics in the Citarum River on Women's Reproductive Health: A Chronic Exposure Biomarker Study in the Community
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied women of reproductive age living near Indonesia's heavily polluted Citarum River to assess how chronic microplastic exposure affects reproductive health. They found elevated microplastic levels in river water, sediment, fish, and biological samples, with higher exposure linked to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, reduced anti-Mullerian hormone levels, and menstrual cycle disturbances. The findings indicate a dose-response pattern connecting long-term microplastic exposure with biological stress and reproductive dysfunction.
Riverine populations that rely on contaminated water bodies for everyday activities and food sources are most affected by the growing environmental and public health concern of microplastic pollution in river ecosystems. One of the world's most polluted rivers, the Citarum River is a high-risk environment for long-term exposure to microplastics, which may have an impact on women's reproductive health. An analytical cross-sectional design with an environmental and biomonitoring approach was applied to women of reproductive age (18–45 years) who had resided in the study area for at least two years, representing chronic exposure conditions. Environmental samples of river water, sediment, and locally consumed fish were analyzed using micro-FTIR or Raman spectroscopy, with polymer confirmation by Py-GC-MS. Individual exposure was assessed through fecal microplastic counts and urinary measurement of plastic-related chemical biomarkers, including phthalate metabolites (MEHP) and bisphenol A (BPA). The results demonstrated elevated levels of microplastics in environmental matrices and biological samples. Higher exposure categories were consistently associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers, reduced anti-Müllerian hormone levels, elevated gonadotropins, and a higher prevalence of menstrual cycle disturbances. These findings indicate a dose–response pattern linking chronic microplastic exposure with biological stress and reproductive dysfunction. Overall, this study provides empirical evidence that long-term exposure to microplastics in contaminated river environments may pose a significant risk to women’s reproductive health, underscoring the need for environmental control and targeted public health interventions.
More Papers Like This
Gonadal microplastic-like particle occurrence and gamete quality of Cyprinus carpio along the Brantas River Basin gradient, East Java, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found tiny plastic-like particles in the water and reproductive organs of carp living in an Indonesian river, and fish from more polluted downstream areas had noticeably worse sperm and egg quality than fish from cleaner upstream sites. While this study looked at fish, not people, it adds to growing evidence that microplastic pollution may harm reproductive health in animals—raising questions about what this contamination could mean for humans who eat fish or are exposed to similar pollutants.
Human Health Risk from Microplastic Contamination in Indonesian Waters Viewed from Distribution, Ecotoxicological Effects and Mitigation Strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
Indonesia has some of the highest microplastic pollution in its waters worldwide, and this review of 42 studies finds these tiny plastic particles are showing up in the fish people eat—causing DNA damage and organ harm in the fish themselves, while also carrying toxic heavy metals along for the ride. Even more concerning, microplastics have been found in human blood, brain tissue, and breast milk, with links to reduced cognitive function, highlighting an urgent need for better plastic waste policies to protect public health.
The spatial distribution of microplastics in correlation with water quality parameters from the upstream to the downstream of the longest river in East Java, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that a major river system in Indonesia gets increasingly contaminated with tiny plastic particles as it flows downstream, with pollution levels nearly quadrupling by the time the water reaches populated coastal areas. This matters because these rivers are linked to drinking water and food sources, and the researchers found the plastic contamination reached "high to very high-risk" levels—meaning the plastics people and wildlife are exposed to downstream may pose greater health hazards than previously realized.
Microplastic pollution in Surabaya River Water and Aquatic Biota, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in the Surabaya River and its aquatic organisms in Indonesia, finding MPs in water, sediment, and multiple fish species, with fiber concentrations highest near densely populated urban areas and fish tissue contamination raising concerns for human exposure through seafood consumption.
Distribution and environmental risk of microplastics pollution in freshwater of Citarum Watershed
AI summary Read the abstract
This review maps microplastic contamination throughout Indonesia's Citarum River watershed using GIS analysis and published data, finding pollution in water, sediment, and fish from upstream to downstream. Microplastics' small size and environmental persistence allow them to enter food chains and pose a serious long-term threat to freshwater quality.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.