Lombok sea salt contaminated with microplastics, study finds

A recent study revealed that sea salt sold in markets across Lombok Island, Indonesia, contains microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters, form when larger plastic waste breaks down, often ending up in the ocean. Since sea salt is produced by evaporating seawater, it is particularly susceptible to contamination if the source water contains microplastics. Researchers led by Anna Ida Sunaryo Purwiyanto collected 20 salt samples from 10 markets on Lombok Island, finding microplastics in every sample. While contamination levels varied, the consistent presence indicates widespread contamination in the ocean surrounding Lombok. Crystal sea salt showed higher microplastic levels than fine salt, likely because fine salt undergoes washing and filtering processes that remove some particles. The study suggests that additional washing and filtering could further reduce contamination. Researchers also noted the absence of standardized guidelines for microplastics in salt products, recommending that microplastic monitoring be integrated into national food safety and salt quality standards. Tamara Galloway, a microplastics researcher not involved in the study, confirmed that the presence of microplastics in sea salt has been known for some years and that the risk to human health from ingesting microplastics in sea salt is very low compared to other sources.