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Between the Tides: The Surge of Paracetamol in Jakarta Bay Waters

Updated: Nov 10, 2023

In 2021, an eye-opening study revealed an unexpected finding: significant concentrations of paracetamol, a popular pain reliever, in the waters of Jakarta Bay, Indonesia. As the first study to detect paracetamol in Indonesian coastal waters, this discovery raises considerable concerns regarding the potential impact on the environment.


Researchers collected seawater samples from various locations within Jakarta Bay and one site on the north coast of Central Java. Their analysis identified nutrient levels surpassing Indonesia's standard quality of seawater limits, traces of metals, and notably, high concentrations of paracetamol at Angke (610 ng/L) and Ancol (420 ng/L), both situated in Jakarta Bay.


The detection of paracetamol occurred at the mouths of two large rivers, Angke and Ciliwung, which serve as repositories for household and industrial waste, as well as residential and commercial areas. Jakarta's insufficient sanitation and wastewater management contribute to the problem, with only a small percentage of households connected to a centralised wastewater treatment system. The study raises concerns about the safety of residents in slum areas, who may have limited access to clean surface water.


Another pressing concern stemming from pharmaceutical pollution is the issue of food safety and the impact on fisheries in polluted areas. Angke and Ancol are well-known aquafarms and central markets for marine products in Jakarta. The extensive shellfish farming industry in Jakarta Bay is already under threat due to high concentrations of pollutants potentially accumulating in coastal waters before entering the food chain. Pharmaceutical products, such as paracetamol, are the latest additions to a long list of pollutants possibly contaminating seafood.


To better understand the extent of this problem, it is crucial to investigate the potential sources of paracetamol pollution. These may include improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste from households, hospitals, and pharmacies, as well as the release of pharmaceutical manufacturing byproducts. Addressing these sources of pollution and implementing better waste management practices will be essential for mitigating the contamination of coastal waters.


From an environmental perspective, it is essential to understand the potential ecotoxicological impacts of paracetamol contamination. Previous studies have suggested that even low concentrations of paracetamol exposure can adversely affect marine creatures, such as causing atresia in female mussels and triggering inflammatory reactions. Moreover, the effects of paracetamol contamination have been found to worsen after long-term exposure.


The Southeast Asian region is home to a rich marine biodiversity and hosts coral reefs that are very sensitive to water pollution. Adverse effects of pollution reported for Jakarta Bay include fish mortality, reduced oxygen levels in the water, excessive algae growth, toxic algal blooms, diminished total fish population, and high levels of contaminants in seafood. This study indicates that a mix of contaminants is present in the coastal waters of Jakarta, potentially initiating harmful effects on marine life.







Considering that only a small portion of ingested paracetamol is excreted as paracetamol and a significant amount of its metabolites could potentially transform back into the parent drug, the levels detected in this study are likely an underestimation of the actual contamination of seawater. The situation can be further complicated by sewage treatment plants and industrial discharge from pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in the area.


So, what does this mean for you? By staying informed about environmental issues like this and sharing our blog posts, you can help raise awareness about the importance of protecting our coastal waters and marine ecosystems. As individuals, we can contribute by being mindful of how we dispose of pharmaceutical waste and advocating for better waste management practices in our communities.


In addition to raising awareness, supporting research initiatives and policy changes aimed at addressing pharmaceutical pollution is crucial. Governments, industries, and local communities need to collaborate to develop effective strategies for reducing the contamination of our coastal waters. This may include investing in advanced wastewater treatment technologies, implementing stricter regulations for pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, and promoting responsible consumption of pharmaceutical products.


Moreover, educating the public about the potential risks associated with consuming contaminated seafood is essential. Consumers should be encouraged to make informed choices about the sources of their seafood and support sustainable aquaculture practices.


Together, we can make a difference in preserving our environment for future generations. By understanding the implications of high paracetamol concentrations in coastal waters like Jakarta Bay, we can take action to protect marine life, promote public health, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our oceans. To learn more, read the original paper here.




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