The study, which began collecting samples in 2022, found microplastics in every rainwater sample taken across the capital. Contamination levels averaged around 15 particles per square metre per day in coastal areas, showing that the problem is widespread.

BRIN researcher Muhammad Reza Cordova said the most common materials found were polyester from synthetic textiles, nylon, polyethene from plastic bags, polypropylene from packaging, and polybutadiene from vehicle tyres. 

These appeared mainly as fine fibres and small fragments. “If we can reduce excessive plastic use, it would already be a big step - though this requires effort from each of us personally,” said Cordova.

Scientists explained that the process occurs through atmospheric deposition, where lightweight plastic particles are lifted by wind and industrial emissions before being washed down by rain. 

“After the rain stops, the air is practically clean of microplastics. That is the safest time to go outside for activities like walking or exercising because you are breathing cleaner air. However, this effect doesn’t last very long - once surfaces dry, the microplastics will become airborne again, carried by the wind,” Cordova added.

The main contributors to Jakarta’s airborne microplastics include synthetic fabrics, vehicle emissions, degrading plastics in open spaces, and the open burning of plastic waste. 

Cordova said tackling the issue requires both systemic reform and public participation through better waste management and reduced plastic use. 

“What we can do now is mitigation - through campaigns promoting wiser plastic use and healthier lifestyles. Fifty years ago, we lived just fine without relying so heavily on plastic. So why can't we do it now?” he said.

"The head, the whole head, was full of blood, the whole head. On top of the head, normally we call it the scalp, it was full of blood. And then when we checked inside that blood, it went inside his brain. So the cause of death of Albert is because of a head injury caused by blunt trauma, and he had signs of neck compression," Geoffrey Mutuma, a pathologist, said.

This revelation defeats the police report, which states that the deceased died from repeatedly hitting his head against the wall of the police cell.

"While in custody, the suspect sustained head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall," a police statement said. "He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival."

Ojwang was arrested on Friday, June 6, in Homa Bay, a town in western Kenya.

He was detained in connection with a post on X that was allegedly critical of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.

He was later transferred to Nairobi on Sunday, June 8, where the police claim he was found unconscious from self-inflicted injuries.

Ojwang's death sparked public outcry as activists and protesters swarmed Nairobi to demonstrate for justice.

To 'salvage' the situation, the country's police chief, Douglas Kanja, on Monday, June 9, suspended the station head and all police officers who were on duty the day Ojwang died for independent investigations.

Despite threats and assault meted out to him, Daniel is committed to environmental justice. In an interview with AFP, Daniel shared that giving up on his activism means letting everyone down.

"If we give up or back down, it means we are giving up on our future. We, I, and everyone else will be saying goodbye to our future because we will quickly lose our home," he said.

In the case of assault and threats, Daniel said, "I had some neck and shoulder discomfort for a few days, but it was not too severe. I also received threats via WhatsApp and social media, but nothing life-threatening. My friends, however, received death threats."

In April 2024, he was sentenced to seven months in prison and fined for a Facebook post criticising the environmental damage caused by these illegal farms.

His conviction, however, was overturned by the Semarang High Court in May 2024. The court recognised that his actions were in defence of the constitutional right to a healthy environment.

These perilous underground chambers, where dreams of prosperity and progress collide with the harsh reality of danger and despair, have become silent tombs for too many.

Mining-related accidents resulting in fatalities can occur in various African countries due to the inherent risks associated with mining. It's essential to note that mining safety standards and practices vary significantly from one country to another.

In the scramble for resources, many mining operations, particularly artisanal and small-scale mining, operate in a regulatory vacuum. Safety standards are often disregarded or nonexistent, and oversight is lax. This laissez-faire environment perpetuates the cycle of danger, leaving workers exposed to the whims of fate.

Mine pit deaths

Many African countries like South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Ghana and Zimbabwe have experienced different episodes of mine deaths.

Miners are usually buried in mine pits that cave in during work.

In Zimbabwe this year, for instance, several persons were killed with others injured in the Chegutu district after a mine collapse.

These mining pits which are usually created by digging remain one of the dangerous risks being posed to underground miners.

Health and Safety Hazards

The International World Organisation indicates that miners are exposed to factors including airborne contaminants (such as rock and dust fumes), excessive noise, vibration, heat stress and ergonomic problems that pose health risks to mineworkers.

Inadequate safety measures and exposure to toxic substances can lead to respiratory diseases and other health issues among miners. For instance, in South African gold mines, workers have been exposed to high levels of dust, leading to conditions like silicosis and tuberculosis.

Child labour and exploitation

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) further raises concerns about African mining, especially with regard to child labour and hazardous work. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for instance, children have been reported working in cobalt mines under dangerous conditions.

Environmental Degradation

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) raises concerns about mining activities often resulting in deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction. In Ghana, unregulated small-scale gold mining, known as "galamsey," has led to severe environmental degradation, including water pollution from mercury use.

Human Rights Violations

Human Rights organization, Human Rights Watch raises concerns with violations of human rights particularly that of children who are forced into labour in mining communities. In Ghana, for instance, the Human Rights Watch cites several instances where children’s rights are violated. In Mozambique also, coal mining operations have been associated with human rights abuses, including forced relocations of local communities.

The loss of lives in African mine pits through various means is a global tragedy. Beneath the surface of Africa's resource wealth, there lies a silent but devastating crisis, one that urgently requires international attention and action.