Jakarta rain found contaminated with microplastics — study
Recent research has revealed that rainwater in Jakarta now contains hazardous microplastic particles, signalling that plastic pollution has reached a new stage where it is literally falling from the sky.
The finding comes from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), which has been studying the phenomenon and its potential health risks.
The study, which began collecting samples in 2022, found microplastics in every rainwater sample taken across the capital. Contamination levels averaged around 15 particles per square metre per day in coastal areas, showing that the problem is widespread.
BRIN researcher Muhammad Reza Cordova said the most common materials found were polyester from synthetic textiles, nylon, polyethene from plastic bags, polypropylene from packaging, and polybutadiene from vehicle tyres.
These appeared mainly as fine fibres and small fragments. “If we can reduce excessive plastic use, it would already be a big step - though this requires effort from each of us personally,” said Cordova.
Scientists explained that the process occurs through atmospheric deposition, where lightweight plastic particles are lifted by wind and industrial emissions before being washed down by rain.
“After the rain stops, the air is practically clean of microplastics. That is the safest time to go outside for activities like walking or exercising because you are breathing cleaner air. However, this effect doesn’t last very long - once surfaces dry, the microplastics will become airborne again, carried by the wind,” Cordova added.
The main contributors to Jakarta’s airborne microplastics include synthetic fabrics, vehicle emissions, degrading plastics in open spaces, and the open burning of plastic waste.
Cordova said tackling the issue requires both systemic reform and public participation through better waste management and reduced plastic use.
“What we can do now is mitigation - through campaigns promoting wiser plastic use and healthier lifestyles. Fifty years ago, we lived just fine without relying so heavily on plastic. So why can't we do it now?” he said.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
