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Microplastic and Nanoplastic Pollution in Pregnant Women: Contribution to Preterm Birth and Health Policy Implications
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This study reviews evidence on microplastic and nanoplastic exposure in pregnant women in Indonesia — where river concentrations reach 636 particles/liter — and analyzes the contribution of microplastic exposure to preterm birth risk, calling for updated water quality regulations and maternal health policies.
Microplastic and nanoplastic pollution has emerged as a major environmental and public health issue, particularly in developing countries such as Indonesia, where contamination levels are among the highest in the world. Recent findings from Ekspedisi Sungai Nusantara (2022) revealed microplastic concentrations of up to 636 particles per liter in East Java’s rivers, indicating widespread exposure through water, air, and food sources. Indonesia also ranks third globally in plastic pollution, contributing approximately 3.4 million tons annually. This study employs a literature review and policy analysis approach to assess the impact of microplastic exposure on maternal and fetal health, with an emphasis on preterm birth risk and the adequacy of current regulatory frameworks. Evidence from human and animal studies indicates that microplastics can translocate across the placental barrier, inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption that may impair fetal development and increase the risk of preterm birth. Despite the implementation of the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 2 of 2025 concerning reproductive health, the absence of explicit environmental pollutant protection clauses highlights a critical policy gap. Strengthening intersectoral collaboration among the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is essential to establish national safety thresholds, implement continuous monitoring, and integrate reproductive health protections into environmental policies. This study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive microplastic management strategies and maternal health safeguards to mitigate the growing risks associated with microplastic and nanoplastic exposure in Indonesia.
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Microplastic Pollution in Waters and its Impact on Health and Environment in Indonesia: A Review
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This review assessed microplastic pollution in Indonesian waters, documenting widespread contamination across rivers, coastal areas, and marine environments, and discussing the health and ecological impacts for the world's second-largest plastic waste contributor.
Existence of Microplastics in Indonesia’s Surface Water: A Review
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This review summarizes evidence of microplastic contamination in surface waters across Indonesia, finding widespread pollution in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. The study underscores the urgency of improved plastic waste management in a country with one of the world's largest contributions to ocean plastic pollution.
Human Health Risk from Microplastic Contamination in Indonesian Waters Viewed from Distribution, Ecotoxicological Effects and Mitigation Strategies
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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
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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.
Spatial distribution of microplastic pollution and its relation to pollution index-based water quality status in Progo River, Indonesia
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Researchers mapped microplastic distribution along Indonesia's heavily polluted Progo River, finding 75 to 436 plastic particles per cubic meter of water and showing that lower oxygen levels, higher organic pollution, and faster water flow all correlated with higher microplastic concentrations — evidence that plastic particles actively degrade river water quality.
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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.