Environmental Health Risk Analysis of Microplastics Pollution Due to Bullet Tuna (Auxis Rochei) In Coastal Communities in Banyuwangi Regency

Muhammad Addin  Rizaldi; Promisetyaningrum  Fitria Nurani; Muhammad Fadli  Ramadhansyah; R  Azizah; Lilis  Sulistyorini; Khaidar  Ali

doi:10.18502/jehsd.v11i2.21961

Muhammad Addin Rizaldi Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jenderal Soedirman University, Central Java, Indonesia
Promisetyaningrum Fitria Nurani Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran, Jakarta, Indonesia
Muhammad Fadli Ramadhansyah Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran, Jakarta, Indonesia
R Azizah Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, East Java, Indonesia.
Lilis Sulistyorini Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, East Java, Indonesia.
Khaidar Ali Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jenderal Soedirman University, Central Java, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jehsd.v11i2.21961

Keywords: Microplastics, Risk Assessment, Auxis Rochei, Environmental Pollutants.

Abstract

Introduction: Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental concern that threatens both marine ecosystems and human health, particularly in coastal regions with high fish consumption rates. This study aimed to analyze microplastic contamination in bullet tuna (Auxis rochei) consumed by coastal communities in the Muncar District, Banyuwangi Regency, Indonesia, and to evaluate its potential health risks using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) approach.

Methods: Fish samples were collected from local fish auction sites and analyzed in both raw and fried forms using FTIR spectroscopy and microscopy.

Results: The results revealed microplastic contamination in all samples, with a total concentration of 0.05 particles per gram, predominantly composed of polyethylene (PE) polymer. Frying reduced the microplastic abundance by 75%, although complete elimination was not achieved. Risk assessment indicated an average HQ of 0.47985, with a maximum value of 30.660, exceeding the safe threshold (HQ > 1) in extreme consumption scenarios. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between microplastic concentration and carcinogenic intake, indirectly increasing the HQ.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the consumption of Auxis rochei contributes to carcinogenic exposure and poses long-term health risks, especially among coastal populations with high consumption. This study underscores the urgent need for effective plastic waste management, food safety monitoring, and public education to safeguard marine food security and community health.