Risk Analysis of Microplastic Exposure Through Consumption of Anadara Granosa at Coastal Area

Abstract

Plastic waste is starting to threaten marine waters, especially microplastics. This micro-sized plastic can be consumed by marine biota. The accumulation of microplastics in the bodies of marine biota can threaten humans who consume them. The purpose of this study was to analyze the risk level of microplastic (polystyrene) exposure through the consumption of blood clams in the coastal area of Pao Village, Tarowang District, Jeneponto Regency. This type of research is a descriptive analysis with the Environmental Health Risk Analysis (EHRA) approach. The samples in this study were 30 respondents and 125 blood clams (anadara granosa). Data were obtained by interview using a questionnaire, identifying MPs in shells in the laboratory, and identifying polymer types using FTIR-spectroscopy. The results showed that 68 MPs of microplastics were found in blood clams (anadara granosa) samples. The dominant shapes were lines and blue. The types of polymers from the FTIR results are Polystyrene (PS), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Polyethylene (PE). The average non-carcinogenic daily intake (Intake) is 0.00012 mg/kg/day, the average risk level (RQ) is 0.0006, and the daily intake value is ≤0.2 (RfD Styrene), so it is said to be safe and the risk level value (RQ) ≤ 1, then categorized as the risk of exposure to MPs in humans through consumption of blood clams is still categorized as safe. The route of exposure to MPs in humans is not only through blood clams, so efforts to control the risk of exposure to MPs in humans are still needed. Key words: Risk analysis, Microplastic, Polystyrene, Blood clams, Anadara Granosa