Microplastic Identification in the Faeces of Pregnant Women

Microplastics come from various types of materials in the form of pieces, fibres, fragments, granules, slabs, or tiny flakes between 0.1-5000 m. It is very resistant to degradation and is insoluble in water. Microplastics are widely distributed in the oceans, sediments, land, and consumed by marine organisms such as fish and shellfish. This study aims to describe the presence of microplastics in the faeces of pregnant women. This type of research is an analytic observation with a cross-sectional design. The sample in this study amounted to thirty pregnant women. Data obtained through interviews using a questionnaire and examination of faeces samples. The results showed that all stool samples contained microplastics. The number of microplastics found ranged from 5 to 21 microplastics with the types of fiber, fragments, and films. The length of the microplastics ranges from 0.2 -4.9 mm. It is concluded that ingested microplastics are disposed of through feces but the residue will accumulate in the body and can pose health risks in the long term. Encouraging the role of the government through education and regulation so that the community obeys and does not throw garbage anywhere.