UNAIR NEWS – For about a week, an issue of microplastic contamination in some bottled water has been discussed in the media. It makes people worried when they drink from the bottles.

It was all started from a research conducted by State University of New York of Fredonia which showed result that there is microplastic contamination in bottled water. There was 93 percent contamination of the famous bottled drinking water, in various countries, including Indonesia.

Regarding this matter, Nur Indradewi Oktavitri, S.T., M.T. a lecturer focusing on water research from Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) gave some responses and tips for people who consume bottled water every day.

Microplastic was found only in plastic bottle packaging but recent research shows that microplastic contained in carton packaging (tetra pak) and glass bottles are also coated with plastic content.

“So far the existence of microplastic is not only in bottled water. On the packaging of the carton, there is also if tetra pak (packaging carton, ed) coated with certain plastics, “she said.

The most widely discussed type of plastic is Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), plastic usually used for bottled mineral water and Polypropylene or Polypropene (PP) for bottle caps.

The lecturer who conducted research titled Wastewater Pollutant Decrease Using Immobilization of Microalgae and Bacteria (2017-2019) suspected the microplastic is from the bottle cap. For some reason, some of the particles break down and mixed with the water.

“What is worrying is when it is getting out of the factory without microplastic. But, outside the factory, the shaking or storage is not good so plastic easily released (decomposes), “said the lecturer of Department of Biology UNAIR.

She suggested that in the future the packaging of mineral water should be given more attention. “The type of plastic must not dissolve in water or use another technology,” she added.

Be Wary

According to Nuri, the contaminants, substances that endanger health, micro-sized in the water keep increasing. It happens excessive water pollution.

Research institutions abroad are now focusing on microscopic particles, not macros anymore. These particles are not easily visible and require sophisticated technology.

The existence of microplastic is very worrying because of its likeness to metal. Nuri said that it is necessary to study further whether microplastic can accumulate into the human body. It is feared that these particles can cause illnesses especially if the particle has entered the kidney.

So, how safe is the microplastic to human body? Nuri revealed that WHO (World Health Organization) currently examines the safe limits of microplastic for human consumption. For human health, she added, it should be studied in details.

From another source, through the BBC, BPOM Head Penny Kusumastuti Lukito advised people not to worry because the mineral water in circulation is in accordance with existing standards. She added that microplastic has not taken into account in the regulation on the feasibility of food. “It should be set by authorized institutions such as WHO, FAO, or the Ministry of Health,” she said.

Then, how to address the issue on bottled mineral water that has been consumed by society everyday?

Nuri said that it is important to pay attention to the plastic packaging used as a beverage container. For example, avoid storage in hot temperatures. “The way of storage is also influential. If there is a dent, the potential release is also greater, ” she said.

Keeping mineral water in a car is not recommended. The temperature in the car is hot, especially when it is parked in a hot area. At high temperatures, plastics can release substances. It is not recommended to drink old bottled water stored in hot areas.

Next, be wary of using bottles over and over again. The use of bottles many times also has a higher potential danger than the new packaging. Plastic packaging for disposable food, for example, is not recommended for reuse. Except, the packaging is indeed made of safe material if used repeatedly.

“From me, do not consume water in the vehicle long enough to avoid the risks. Do not use bottles repeatedly because the risk of release becomes higher, ” she concluded. (*)

Author: Binti Q. Masruroh

Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifai