Identification and characterization of Microplastics in the Kartamantul Water Supply System, Yogyakarta, and its Potential Human Exposure

Suphia Rahmawati; Kintan Parenza Yasa; Andik Yulianto; Puji Lestari; Norhidayah Binti Abdull

doi:10.33005/envirotek.v18i1.2352

Authors

Suphia Rahmawati Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Kintan Parenza Yasa Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Andik Yulianto Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Puji Lestari Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Norhidayah Binti Abdull Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Pahang, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33005/envirotek.v18i1.2352

Abstract

Microplastics are emerging contaminants that can enter drinking water systems from raw
water sources. This study is the first to evaluate microplastics across all treatment stages of
the Kartamantul Regional Water Supply System (RWSS) in Yogyakarta. Water samples were
collected from nine points along the treatment process (intake to customer taps) and analyzed
using a modified NOAA method with organic matter digestion, filtration, and microscopic
observation. Supporting parameters (pH, temperature, turbidity, TSS) were assessed via
Spearman’s correlation. Results showed the highest concentration at the intake (964
particles/100 mL), decreasing to 55 particles/100 mL at the clearwell (94.3% removal).
Fragments dominated, with black microplastics being most persistent. Estimated daily
exposure at household taps averaged 18.73 particles/kg body weight/day. Turbidity and pH
showed strong positive correlations with microplastic abundance. These findings indicate
conventional treatment effectively reduces microplastics, but additional measures are needed
at final treatment stages and within distribution networks to limit consumer exposure