Nuclear Technology Supports Marine Microplastic Monitoring in Indonesia
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The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is utilizing nuclear technology as part of the global NUTEC Plastics program to monitor marine microplastics. The initial focus is on implementing standardized monitoring methods so that data from different countries can be compared fairly. This project includes sampling at various locations in Indonesia, such as Lampung and other tourism or industrial zones. The collected data will be uploaded to the IAEA’s global platform, IRIS. In the second phase (2026-2029), nuclear technology such as Pb-210 will be employed to reconstruct microplastics pollution history going back up to 150 years using marine sediment layers.
Beyond environmental monitoring, BRIN also studies the bioaccumulation of microplastics in marine life and the potential risks to humans. By labeling microplastics with the radioisotope I-131, researchers can track their movement and accumulation within the bodies of fish or shellfish in real time without killing the test animals. This technology allows scientists to analyze the distribution of microplastics down to specific organs and helps predict human exposure. BRIN’s comprehensive approach integrates environmental data, historical pollution reconstruction, and biological analysis to provide a deeper understanding of the risks posed by microplastics.
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