Yogyakarta, 10 March 2026 – A research team from the Doctoral Program in Environmental Science, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a series of field surveys as part of a study titled “Microplastic Footprints in Tropical Karst Aquifers: The Influence of Karst Development and Anthropogenic Pressure.” The research aims to identify the presence, characteristics, and potential sources of microplastic contamination within karst aquifer systems on the island of Java.
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The field surveys were carried out across several karst regions in Central Java, East Java, and the Special Region of Yogyakarta during January 2026. The survey began on 20–21 January 2026 in the Jonggrangan Karst area, followed by a survey on 22 January 2026 in the Gombong Karst region. The research team then conducted surveys on 25–26 January 2026 in the karst areas of Grobogan, Rembang, Tuban, and Rengel, and concluded with fieldwork on 28–29 January 2026 in the Gunungsewu Karst region.
The research is led by Dr. Tjahyo Nugroho Adji, M.Sc., Tech., with team members including Prof. Dr. Eko Haryono, M.Si., and young researcher Nor Muhamad Iskandar, S.Si., M.Sc. The activity is part of the International Joint Research Academy (IJRA) – EQUITY program, which supports international research collaboration and the strengthening of environmental research. The international collaboration also involves Prof. Dr. Junbing Pu from the School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University. In addition, the research involves graduate students from the Master’s Program in Environmental Management at UGM Graduate School, Afnan Syah Hananto and Flora Kirana Febrianti, who share an interest in microplastic research from biological and biotechnological perspectives.
During the field survey, the research team collected water samples from various points within the karst system, including springs and underground rivers. They also conducted in-situ measurements of several water quality parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and temperature. The collected samples will later be analyzed in the laboratory to identify microplastic particles using digital microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). These methods enable researchers to determine the abundance, shape, and polymer types of microplastics present in the water samples.
(Activity Documentation)
According to Dr. Tjahyo Nugroho Adji in a short interview on March 10, 2026, this research is crucial because karst regions serve as one of the main sources of clean water for surrounding communities. The porous nature of karst rocks and their complex underground flow systems make them highly vulnerable to various pollutants, including microplastics, which are known to persist in the environment.
“This research is expected to provide scientific insights into the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in tropical karst aquifer systems. The findings are also anticipated to serve as a scientific basis for protecting karst water resources and promoting more sustainable environmental management,” he explained.
Through this research, the team hopes to enrich scientific understanding of microplastic pollution dynamics in tropical karst environments, which remain relatively underexplored. Furthermore, the study is expected to support the development of policies related to water resource management and environmental protection in karst regions in Indonesia, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
This initiative also reinforces Universitas Gadjah Mada’s position as one of the leading centers for tropical karst and environmental research at both the national and international levels.
Author: Nor Muhamad Iskandar