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| Penelitian Tentang Kontaminasi Mikroplastik pada Tanaman Pangan (Foto: Istimewa). |
The use of single-use plastic packaging in Indonesia has raised concerns about microplastic issues. In developed countries, strict restrictions on single-use plastics have been implemented, including through plastic taxes.
This triggered Dr. Shazma Anwar M.Sc., a post-doctoral student at the Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM), to research microplastic contamination in food crops. The Pakistani student explained that microplastics are small particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm that can contaminate the environment, particularly affecting plants.
"Potatoes became the focus of my research as they are a staple food in several parts of the world. Additionally, potatoes, categorized as tubers, can be vulnerable to microplastic contamination," she said.
She was accompanied by UMM doctoral alumni, Dr. Ir. Roy Hendroko Setyobudi, M.Si., throughout the process. The research, conducted over five months, took place in various potato cultivation areas in Malang Raya. Start from Pujon Kidul Village, Sumber Brantas Village, Ngadas Village, and Ngantang Village. "The results showed that potato samples from all these regions were contaminated with microplastics, ranging from 0.02 to 0.24 particles per gram. Even processed potato products from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) chosen randomly contained microplastics," explained Shazma, her nickname.
She conveyed that the predominant forms of microplastics found in this research were filaments and fibers. Filaments originated from plastic bags, polybags, and UV plastics. At the same time, microplastic fibers came from laundry water, detergents, soaps, beauty products, cigarette filters, coffee and tea sachets, diapers, and various other sources. Plastic mulch (used to cover crop fields) commonly employed in Indonesian agriculture also contributed to microplastic pollution.
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"Fundamentally, oil-based plastics do not degrade. Over time, they break down into smaller particles, increasing pollution. Contaminated soil can cause plant root blockages, kill soil organisms, reduce soil fertility, and hinder plant growth. Worse, it can enter fruits consumed by humans or the stems and leaves eaten by animals, potentially endangering health," she added.
This was demonstrated in an experiment involving rats fed with microplastic-contaminated potatoes. Within three weeks, the rats perished, indicating the serious risk posed by microplastics to the environment and health.
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In addition to potatoes, Shazma also found microplastic contamination in rice and corn crops in the Malang Raya region. While the use of plastic in this modern era is inevitable, its use must be approached wisely. This includes implementing the 4Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle, and replace) principle: reducing, reusing, recycling, and replacing plastics.
"UMM must swiftly engage in research and implementation of bioplastics that can naturally degrade. This includes using biological methods to mitigate microplastic pollution, producing organic fertilizers free of microplastics, utilizing plants to cleanse environmental pollution, and employing solid substances to absorb microplastics to prevent their entry into plant roots," she concluded. (lai/wil/fajr)
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