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Significance of Research on Microplastic Abundance in Bedadung River and Drinking Water Treatment Plant in Jember Regency, Indonesia
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Researchers found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in an Indonesian river and its drinking water treatment plants, and while filtering removed a lot of them, a notable amount still made it all the way through to the treated water people actually drink. Levels were highest after rainy season, suggesting storm runoff washes more plastic waste into water sources, which matters because we're still learning what long-term microplastic exposure through drinking water means for human health.
Microplastics are increasingly recognized as persistent pollutants in aquatic environments, including river systems and drinking water supplies. This study examines the abundance, characteristics, and polymer composition of microplastics in the Bedadung River and two drinking water treatment plants (WTPs), Tegal Gede and Tegal Besar, in Jember Regency, Indonesia. Sampling was conducted during both rainy and dry seasons, encompassing the Bedadung River and various stages of the treatment process: intake, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and reservoir. Microplastics were isolated using a modified wet peroxide oxidation (WPO) method, visually identified via optical microscopy, and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Microplastic concentrations peaked in the river during the rainy season at 1,179 particles per Liter, with 400 particles per Liter remaining in the final reservoir stage. Seasonal variation was evident, with consistently higher concentrations during the rainy season. Detected microplastics were predominantly foam, mainly black in color, with dominant sizes ranging from 1–50 μm. The identified polymer types included Nylon, Nitrile, PU, PVC, PET, LDPE, HDPE, and PP. SEM analysis revealed diverse surface morphologies, from smooth to irregular and sharp. These results demonstrate the persistence of microplastics throughout the treatment process and underscore the impact of rainfall on their mobilization and concentration.
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