The discovery that rainwater in Jakarta contains microplastics (MPs) has raised new concerns about environmental pollution in urban areas. Professor Etty Riani, a professor at IPB University from the Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK), explained that this phenomenon is scientifically very possible.

According to Professor Etty, microplastics, especially those that are very small or nanoplastics, have a very light mass and are easily lifted into the atmosphere.

“These particles can originate from various sources on land, such as car tire friction, the decomposition of dry plastic waste carried by the wind, and even synthetic clothing fibers,” she said.

When microplastic particles are in the air, they can be carried by wind currents and eventually fall back to earth with rainwater.

“Rain acts like an air purifier. Microplastics floating in the atmosphere will mix with raindrops. Because they are so small, the particles are invisible, making it appear as if the rainwater is clean,” explained Professor Etty.

She added that the sources of microplastics in the air in cities like Jakarta are diverse, ranging from the degradation of various types of plastic waste, vehicle tire friction, and even synthetic clothing. Meanwhile, environmental factors such as high temperatures and dry air conditions accelerate the plastic decomposition process and facilitate the release of fine particles into the atmosphere.

“The high use of plastic in everyday life is also the root of the problem. From the moment we wake up until the moment we go to sleep, humans are inseparable from plastic. Eventually, plastic will decompose into microplastics and nanoplastics,” she said.

Prof. Etty believes that concrete action is needed from the government and the public. She encourages lifestyle changes towards more environmentally friendly ones.

“We need to live more simply and return to nature. Reduce plastic use, avoid body care products containing microplastics, and make it a habit to separate waste from home,” she said.

Furthermore, Prof. Etty emphasized the importance of implementing the 3R principle (reduce, reuse, recycle) and imposing sanctions on those who do not support the plastic reduction policy.

“Plastic is not only an environmental problem, but also a health problem. It contains dangerous additives that can trigger hormonal disruption and increase the risk of cancer,” she concluded.