April 28, 2025 | 06:44 am
TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - The Professor of Environmental Pollution and Health Sciences at Airlangga University (Unair), Lilis Sulistyorini, offers a solution to mitigate the spread and impact of microplastics in the environment. The distribution of microplastics in the air, water, and land poses a risk to human health.
"Microplastics originate from plastic waste that ends up in the sea," said Lilis to the media on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
According to Lilis, microplastics are plastic fragments with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters. The degradation of these plastic debris comes from various products. As they flow into the sea, microplastics can spread to all regions.
These solid particles have recently been under scrutiny due to their threat to the environment. Their distribution extends far, reaching into the human body such as the digestive system, lungs, and even the placenta.
Lilis, who is a lecturer at the Faculty of Public Health at Airlangga University, stated that microplastics enter river water, groundwater, and well water near plastic waste. This fact was obtained from research conducted in Muncar District, Banyuwangi, East Java.
"The water is also contaminated, even though it is usually used for cooking," she added.
Lilis advises people to reduce their consumption of boiled seafood, especially fish. These food items should preferably be steamed or fried. "Boiling requires a lot of water, unlike frying."
She also added that microplastics tend to carry harmful chemical compounds. These small particles enter the human body through the air, food, and direct contact. When exposed, the compounds can cause lung inflammation, reproductive disorders, metabolic diseases, and even carcinogenic potential.
As a preventive measure, the government is advised to partner with community elements to strengthen education about the threat of microplastics. She also emphasizes the need for a policy and technological approach.
Lilis recommends the development of waste treatment system innovations and environmental literacy campaigns. According to her, there are several prevention solutions that can still be optimized, namely regulation of single-use plastic reduction, promotion of recycling, and waste sorting systems.
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