“If the microplastics are absorbed by fish after which consumed by people, it means they may accumulate in people. That’s harmful,” mentioned Widodo Setiyo Pranowo, the principal investigator at Indonesia’s Nationwide Analysis and Innovation Company, in response to a report by CNA.
Indonesians have been the largest customers of microplastics on the planet, ingesting 15g per thirty days per particular person, adopted by Malaysians at 12g and Filipinos and Vietnamese at 11g, in response to a examine by Cornell College launched final 12 months.
Shopper merchandise, together with drink bottles made out of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and plastic luggage, are among the many largest sources of microplastics, with single-use and non-recyclable sachets contributing considerably to ocean plastic waste.
Waste accumulating in landfills posed a serious danger as plastics would break down into small particles and enter water sources, mentioned Mufti Petala Patria, a marine biology lecturer on the College of Indonesia.
