Papers

A systematic review of the effects of airborne microplastic contamination on human lungs

This systematic review summarizes research showing that airborne microplastics have a negative effect on human lungs. Humans are estimated to inhale roughly 100,000 fine plastic particles every day, and the evidence suggests this exposure contributes to respiratory health problems, underscoring the need for policies to reduce plastic pollution in the air we breathe.

Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene Practices and Their Environmental and Health Implications: A Systematic Review in the Indonesian Context

This systematic review examines menstrual hygiene practices in Indonesia and their environmental impact. It highlights that disposable menstrual products contribute to microplastic pollution, and that switching to sustainable alternatives could reduce both environmental contamination and potential health risks from plastic exposure.

Toxic effects on enzymatic activity, gene expression and histopathological biomarkers in organisms exposed to microplastics and nanoplastics: a review

This review summarizes research from 2016 to 2021 on how microplastics and nanoplastics affect enzymatic activity, gene expression, and tissue structure across various organisms. Researchers found that these plastic particles can disrupt normal enzyme function, alter gene regulation, and cause visible tissue damage in species ranging from fish to mammals. The study identifies these biological markers as valuable tools for assessing the health impacts of plastic particle exposure.

Ventilation strategies for mitigating airborne infection in healthcare facilities: A review and bibliometric analysis (1993–2022)

Microplastic pollution in landfill soil: Emerging threats the environmental and public health

Researchers measured microplastic contamination in soil at a landfill near residential areas in Indonesia and found extremely high levels of over 60,000 particles per kilogram. The most common types were fragments of polyethylene, PVC, polystyrene, and polypropylene. The study raises public health concerns because landfills near populated areas can release microplastics into surrounding soil and water, creating exposure pathways for nearby communities.

Interface adsorption characteristics of microplastics on multiple morphological arsenic compounds

Researchers studied how polystyrene and PET microplastics adsorb different forms of arsenic, a toxic element commonly found in contaminated water. They found that polystyrene had a much higher capacity to bind arsenic compounds than PET, and that the arsenic-loaded microplastics were more toxic to organisms than either pollutant alone. The study highlights that microplastics can act as carriers for toxic heavy metals, amplifying their environmental harm.

Analysis of Modifiable, Non-Modifiable, and Physiological Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases in Indonesia: Evidence from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research

This study analyzed modifiable, non-modifiable, and physiological risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Indonesia using national health survey data. The findings suggest that these risk factors have a significant influence on non-communicable disease prevalence, providing evidence that could inform cross-sector health promotion and early detection strategies.

Evolution, Prospects, and Predicaments of Polymers in Marine Applications: A Potential Successor to Traditional Materials

This review examines the growing use of polymer materials in marine applications such as boat hulls, offshore structures, and underwater equipment, where their light weight and corrosion resistance offer advantages over traditional metals. Researchers also discuss the environmental downsides, including the potential release of microplastics and chemicals as these materials degrade in seawater. The study calls for developing more sustainable polymer formulations that balance performance with reduced environmental impact.

Toxicity of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics and dimethyl phthalate in male Sprague-Dawley rats: Insights into oxidative stress, DNA damage, and histopathological impacts

Researchers exposed male rats to polyethylene terephthalate microplastics and dimethyl phthalate, a common plasticizer, both individually and in combination over 28 days. The co-exposure group showed significantly elevated markers of oxidative DNA damage, severe liver tissue degeneration, and liver enlargement compared to controls. The study highlights the potential for synergistic health effects when microplastics and their associated chemical additives are encountered together.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A QUESTIONNAIRE ASSESSING PLASTIC USE PATTERNS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ATTITUDES TOWARD MICROPLASTICS IN RELATION TO COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN INDONESIA

Researchers developed and validated a questionnaire to assess plastic use patterns, microplastic knowledge, and attitudes among Indonesian adults, with a focus on potential associations with cognitive function. The study provides a validated tool for measuring public awareness of microplastic exposure in Indonesia, where plastic pollution is particularly severe, and explores the emerging concern about neurocognitive effects of microplastic exposure.

Role of Fungi in Biodegradation of Bisphenol A: A Review

This review examined the role of fungi in biodegrading bisphenol A, a widespread endocrine disruptor that leaches from plastics into water sources, highlighting fungal enzymes and degradation pathways as promising approaches for environmental remediation.

Environmental Health Risk of Microplastics Due to Consumption of Fish and Shellfish in the Coastal Area

Researchers assessed the health risk of microplastics in fish and shellfish consumed by people in a coastal area of Takalar, Indonesia. All samples had risk quotient values below the safety threshold, indicating that microplastic levels in the seafood were within acceptable limits for human consumption at the time of sampling. The study provides baseline data for monitoring microplastic contamination in commercially important coastal fisheries.

Distribution and characteristics of microplastics in seawater, sediment, and crude salt from Madura Island, the largest solar salt production island in Indonesia

Raising environmental awareness: evaluating microplastic education interventions in Jakarta’s high schools

Researchers found that hands-on, interactive teaching methods work better than traditional lectures for helping high school students understand microplastic pollution (tiny plastic particles that can harm our health and environment). However, actually changing students' attitudes and behaviors about plastic use may require longer, more comprehensive programs. This matters because educating young people effectively about microplastics could help reduce plastic pollution that ends up in our food and water.

Abundance and distribution of microplastics in seawater, sediment, and macroalgae sea grapes Caulerpa racemosa from Semak Daun Island, Jakarta Bay, Indonesia

Researchers found microplastic contamination in sea grapes, seawater, and sediment from Jakarta Bay's Semak Daun Island, with fragments dominating in macroalgae and fibers in water and sediment, and washing treatments reducing but not eliminating contamination.

Frequent Plastic Usage Behavior and Lack of Microplastic Awareness Correlates with Cognitive Decline: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey examining the relationship between frequent single-use plastic consumption and cognitive function. The study found that frequent single-use plastic consumption was linked to poorer cognitive outcomes, while awareness of microplastic risks and risk perception did not directly affect cognition. The findings suggest that educational strategies may help enhance public awareness and reduce plastic exposure.

Vertical distribution of microplastic along the main gate of Indonesian Throughflow pathways

Researchers conducted the first investigation of vertical microplastic distribution in deep-sea waters along the Indonesian Throughflow pathway between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The study found an average of about 1 microplastic particle per liter across depths from 5 to 2,450 meters, with water temperature and density influencing particle distribution, indicating that microplastic contamination extends throughout the ocean water column.

AB-636. MIcroplastic exposure and cognitive function in Indonesian population: A cross–sectional survey

A flowing crisis and its human toll: Addressing environmental challenges in contaminated river systems

This paper examines the environmental challenges facing the Citarum River in West Java, Indonesia, which supplies water to over 30 million people but is heavily contaminated by industrial effluents, domestic waste, microplastics, and agricultural runoff. Water quality measurements across the 300 km river showed significant variation in key indicators, underscoring the human health toll of sustained industrial and domestic pollution.

Association Between Microplastic Exposure and Cognitive Function Decline

Researchers detected PET and polypropylene microplastics in blood, urine, and feces of study participants and found a significant association between higher microplastic concentrations in biological fluids and greater cognitive function decline, particularly among those with the highest exposure levels.

Microplastic occurrence in the deep-sea sediment of the Indonesian Throughflow, Banggai Sea

This first investigation of microplastics in deep-sea sediments in Indonesian waters found microplastic contamination in the Banggai Sea, with abundance strongly decreasing with distance from the coast and PET and PE identified as dominant polymer types.

Disaster from water pollution in Indonesia: Unsustainable human interaction with the environment and its social impacts

Researchers reviewed water pollution sources and impacts in Indonesia, particularly the Muara Teluk Jakarta area, using secondary data from environmental agency reports and published literature. Organic, inorganic, and microplastic pollution from rapid population growth and inadequate waste management were identified as primary threats to water quality and public health.

Microplastic contaminations in edible seaweed Caulerpa racemosa across Indonesian tropical seawaters related to land uses: Implication on human health

This study measured microplastic contamination in the edible seaweed Caulerpa racemosa harvested from both inland and island environments in Indonesia, finding higher contamination in inland coastal areas with greater urbanization. The results suggest land use and proximity to human activity are key drivers of MP contamination in edible seaweeds.

 Optimizing Lipid Removal and Protein Digestion in Human Milk for Microplastic Analysis using Candida rugosa Lipase, KOH Digestion, and Hydrogen Peroxide Oxidation

This study developed a multi-step digestion method for extracting microplastics from human breast milk, combining enzymatic lipid removal, KOH protein digestion, and hydrogen peroxide oxidation, finding that extended enzymatic incubation times significantly improved microplastic extraction efficiency.