The Method, Occurrence, Health Risk, and Prevention of Airborne Microplastics in Indonesia: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Microplastics originate from production in small forms (micro) and degraded plastic waste. Initially, most research on microplastics focused on their presence in oceans and lakes. Recently, researchers have begun investigating airborne microplastics, as their size, ranging from 500 to 2000 µm, allows them to be carried by the wind. There is a paucity of research on airborne microplastics conducted in Indonesia. This study aims to evaluate the current level of airborne microplastic research in Indonesia. Materials and methods: The method involved searching the literature that included the terms “airborne,” “atmospheric,” or “ambient microplastics” in Indonesia, following PRISMA guidelines. Data sources used the Google Scholar database from 2019 to 2024 and search papers from May 15, 2024, until August 12, 2024. A total of 15 studies were reviewed. Results: All studies reviewed confirmed the presence of airborne microplastics, with fibers and fragments being the most common forms, varying in size, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polyester being the most frequently identified polymers. Conclusion: The sampling methods used were active and passive; variations in location, time, duration, and equipment can influence the outcomes. Additionally, factors such as weather conditions, research site characteristics, and human activities also have an impact. The health risks associated with the tiny size of microplastics are similar to those of particulate matter, which can easily enter the respiratory system and cause non-communicable diseases. There is a need to establish threshold levels for microplastic concentrations in the air, both indoors and outdoors.