JURNAL KESEHATAN LINGKUNGAN

Distribution and Abundance of Microplastics in Underground Rivers in the South Malang Karst Area: First Evidence in Indonesia

2024-02-22T10:34:30+07:00

Introduction: The presence of microplastics in the environment increases the diversity of types of pollutants in waters, including clean water sources on the surface and underground. Karst areas have unique hydrological characteristics, with cracks and fissures between the rocks that can be potential routes for the transport and accumulation of microplastics in underground river flows. In this study, we want to know the distribution and abundance of microplastics in underground rivers in the karst area of South Malang, Indonesia.

Methods: Samples were collected purposively from underground river of Lowo, Banyu and Sengik. Microplastics were prepared using a diluted solvent of 30% H2SO4 and 30% H2O2. The sediment sample was dried and then filtered twice using 300-mesh size nylon filters until microplastic particles accumulated.

Results and Discussion: Microplastics were detected in all water samples, with an average abundance ranging from 1.8 to 2.3 particles per liter. Fibers were the dominant microplastic type, followed by fragments and films, while the color distribution includes blue, white, red, yellow, black, green, pink, and brown.

Conclusion: Microplastic contamination has been found in underground river flows in the karst area of South Malang, Indonesia. Karst soil, traditionally viewed as a natural filter, is not impervious to plastic pollution. This suggests significantly higher surface contamination than previously assumed. Therefore, reducing surface pollution is essential to safeguard the precious quality of underground aquifers and protect public health above.

Personal Hygiene as Scabies Factors Incidence in the Institute Rehabilitation Center of the Vagrants, Scrounger and Mental Disabilities in South Sumatra Region

2024-02-22T10:36:31+07:00

Introduction: Scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is a highly contagious skin infestation. Poor personal hygiene often contributes to its prevalence. This study aims to identify specific aspects of personal hygiene that influence the incidence of scabies among residents of the Institute Rehabilitation Center of The Vagrants, Scroungers, and Individuals with Mental Disabilities in the South Sumatra Region. Methods: This observational-analytic study employed a case-control design. Data collection involved clinical records, observations, and questionnaire-based interviews. A total of 160 occupants, comprising 80 cases and 80 controls, were selected through simple random sampling. Data analysis utilized chi-square test and multiple logistic regression tests. Results and Discussion: Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations (p-value = 0.000) between scabies incidence and bathing habits, cleanliness of mattresses and bed linen, cleanliness of clothing, and open defecation behavior. Multiple logistic regression indicated that open defecation behavior (OR = 56.336; 95% CI = 17.281 – 158.500) was the primary personal hygiene factor influencing scabies incidence. Thus, maintaining proper open defecation practices is crucial for residents' hygiene and health. Conclusion: Poor personal hygiene practices, including inadequate bathing habits, unclean bedding, dirty clothing, and open defecation behavior, contribute to the occurrence of scabies. Effective education and counseling by healthcare professionals are essential for promoting better hygiene practices among residents.

The Influence of Population Behavior and Settlement Environment on the Incidence of Filariasis in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

2024-01-30T10:21:23+07:00

Introduction: A health issue is filariasis including in Sigi Regency, brought on by filarial worms and spread by mosquito bites. Filariasis is a parasitic infection that threatens about one-third or 1.3 billion of the world’s population in 83 countries that are vulnerable to filariasis. This research intends to examine the impact of behaviour and environment on the occurrence of filariasis in the Sigi Regency. Methods: The study used an observational analytic method with a case control approach, involving 114 people from 13 villages in Sigi Regency, of whom 38 were cases and 76 were controls. The control group is people who live in the same environment as the case group. The data collection methods were a survey and an environmental assessment. Results and Discussions: The logistic regression analysis revealed that the most influential factors for the occurrence of filariasis in endemic regions in Sigi Regency were mosquito breeding sites with Odds Rasio (OR) value =8.57 (2.43-34.33), p-value = <0.001, existence of animal pens with OR value=5.16 (1.15-29.44), p-value = 0.044, and not using anti-mosquito medication with OR value = 6.06 (1.54-27.56), p-value = 0.013. Conclusion: The breeding habitats of disease-transmitting mosquitoes, the presence of animal pens and the habit of not using anti-mosquito medication are the dominant risk factors related to the occurrence of filariasis in endemic regions in the Sigi Regency.

Klang River Water Quality Assessment and Its Effects on Human Health Using Chemometric Analysis

2024-03-13T16:23:35+07:00

Introduction: River water pollution has been a significant hazard to human health and is associated with severe health risks. This study evaluates water quality and heavy metal levels in the Klang River, analyzing their health risks through chemometric analysis. Methods: Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to analyse the heavy metal contents in river water samples obtained from 9 sampling stations. Chemometric statistical techniques (principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)) are employed to identify the sources of physicochemical properties and heavy metals. The human health risk was evaluated using statistical analysis, apart from hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR). Results and Discussion: Results showed that the physicochemical parameters were within acceptable limits. The concentration of heavy metals was found to follow a decreasing order of As > Ni below permissible levels, except at P9 and P8. PCA and HCA showed important connections among parameters, emphasizing that COD, NH3N, and TDS are key factors affecting Klang River water quality. Conclusion: The study assesses pollution risks in the Klang River, offering crucial insights for sustainable estuary management. It highlights significant changes in temperature, pH, TDS, BOD, DO, and NH3N levels, along with specific trends in heavy metal concentrations. The Health Risk Assessment indicates acceptable HQ and Target Cancer Risk values. However, the study's limited sample sites and focused timeframe might hinder understanding long-term patterns and regional differences. Extended data collection and additional information are necessary to improve water quality management and protect public health

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Conventional Plastics – Finger Millet Based Soluble Food Folds

2024-03-04T14:59:11+07:00

Introduction: Plastics are rendered as a symbol of this disengagement – a psychological and physical barrier between us and what we consume. People have been involved in preparing and consuming food folds since the 1900s. From the method of making a particular traditional sweet from Atreyapuram, Andhra Pradesh, this study attempted to create folds from ‘Ragi’. The main objective is to create soluble food folds that serve as a versatile bio-packaging unit that is 100% consumable and contributes to zero wastage, which the common womenfolk of community can prepare. Methods: Raw and germinated millets were processed to create edible folds. Subsequently, phytochemical and antioxidant analyses were conducted to evaluate the potential health benefits of the folds. Results and Discussion: Both the folds were relatively compatible to hold the dry contents inside. The highest percentage of scavenging activity is observed for aqueous extract of Germinated ragi fold (G), which scavenged 79.13 % radicals at a 100 μg/ml concentration. The low absorption percentage was expressed by an aqueous extract of Non- Germinated ragi fold (NG), which scavenged 5.22 % radicals at a concentration of 500 μg/ml. However, there is no significant difference between the phytochemical components between folds made from germinated ragi and non-germinated ragi. Conclusion: Edible food folds present a novel strategy for diminishing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly food habits. Continued research could facilitate widespread acceptance, encouraging a greener approach to food packaging and consumption.

The Impact of Sick Building Syndrome and Physical Air Quality on Staff Productivity in the Hospital's Outpatient Room of Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Haji Indonesia

2024-03-18T15:41:53+07:00

Introduction: The concept of SBS as an occupational health problem is related to air pollution, inadequate ventilation, and indoor air quality in office buildings. Lighting in the RSUD Haji Building still does not meet general and local lighting standards. Complaints of eye fatigue are also felt by administrative staff in the outpatient room of the RSUD Haji Indonesia. This research aimed to examine how physical air quality and sick building syndrome give impact to officer productivity in the outpatient room of the RSUD Haji Indonesia. Methods: This kind of study used a cross-sectional design and was observational. Simple random sampling was utilized in the sampling process, and logistic and linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results and Discussion: Lighting in outpatient rooms that is 100% compliant with standards. The percentage of rooms without proper temperature norms was 21.42%. The rate of rooms with inadequate noise requirements was 17.86%. Spaces without 50% relative humidity norms. SBS symptoms: 10.3% of respondents said they always had itchy skin, and 27.6% said they frequently experienced extreme stress and exhaustion symptoms. Conclusion: There was no effect of temperature, lighting, or noise in the room regarding the sick building syndrome symptoms of officers in the outpatient room, except humidity. However, most workers felt SBS symptoms. Officer productivity was not impacted by the physical quality of the air or by sick building syndrome symptoms.

Boolean and Spatial Analysis Using GIS to Determine Landfill Waste on Bunaken Island with an Environmental Health Approach

2024-02-22T10:35:40+07:00

Introduction: Bunaken Island still lacks proper waste management infrastructure, resulting in the accumulation of garbage around residences and along the coastline. This prevalent issue significantly impacts public health and the overall quality of life on the island. The research seeks to evaluate the waste management situation on Bunaken Island and identify suitable locations for waste disposal. Methods: The study employed random sampling techniques to select households within the study area for primary data collection. The research utilized Boolean and spatial analysis methods to pinpoint appropriate waste disposal zones and propose sustainable waste management strategies for Bunaken Island. Results and Discussion: Findings revealed that Bunaken Island spans a land area of 794.12 hectares and is inhabited by a population of 3,843. The analysis identified two recommended locations for final disposal zones, totaling 3.40 and 0.45 hectares, respectively. Moreover, the estimated waste generation over the next decade is approximately 4,277,893 kilograms, necessitating 0.0241 hectares of land for waste accommodation through terracing methods. Conclusion: Addressing this issue requires the identification of two viable disposal zones in distinct locations. Additionally, implementing recycling practices to utilize both organic and inorganic waste from local and marine sources and promoting reuse before landfill disposal are crucial strategies for effective waste management on Bunaken Island.

Refill Drinking Water Depot Risk Assessment for Chemical Hazard Contaminant in 25 Cities of East Java Province, Indonesia

2024-03-25T08:36:22+07:00

Introduction: Water was a part of the environment that was very susceptible to contamination by various hazardous substances, both physical, chemical, and microbiological. Serious health problems might occur when humans consume contaminated drinking water and can cause infectious and non-infectious diseases. This study aimed to analyze the risk quotient of chemical hazard exposure in drinking water by depot refilling drinking water from 25 cities and regencies in East Java Province. Methods: This study was analytically observational with a cross-sectional research design. The sampling method used was porposive sampling, which took 25 from 38 cities and regencies in East Java province. There were three steps to analyze drinking water health risks: dose-response analysis, exposure path, and risk characteristics analyzed. Results and Discussion: The highest concentrations of each parameter parameter F (1.4132 mg/L), NO_3 (56.2780 mg/L), NO_2 (22,225 mg/L), Fe (0.3845 mg/L), Mg (4.54 mg/L), and Zn (0.4272 mg/L). Analysis of risk quotient > 1 for parameters NO_3 (1.2265), NO_2 (7,748), and Mg (1.1308) Indicates that drinking water in the area is not safe for consumption by people weighing 55kg as much as 2L/day for 350 days. Conclusion: Based on the results of studies conducted on those substances (F, NO_3, NO_2, Fe, Mg, and Zn) there are three substances in the water that have RQ value > 1, NO_3 (1.2265), NO_2 (7,748), and Mg (1.1308) this means that those substances are risking human health and needed to be addressed controlled.

Phylogenetic Analysis and Mutation of Sars-Cov-2 in Bats in Karst Malang City, Indonesia

2024-03-25T10:14:17+07:00

Introduction: A group of people in China were hospitalized with an initial diagnosis of pneumonia of unknown cause. The patients were linked to a wholesale wet seafood and animal market in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The disease has spread to other provinces in China, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea in less than a month. SARS-CoV-2 was found to originate from bats. Therefore, this research aims to analyze SARS-CoV-2 mutation in bats in Malang Karst, Indonesia. Methods: Other bat body parts used as research samples include the brain, liver, kidneys, intestines, pancreas, fetus, blood, lungs, and ectoparasites. The samples were taken separately and placed in a container containing 10% PBF. For further analysis, we used RNA Extraction, Real-Time PCR, Sequencing, and CoV Gisaid mutation analysis software to analyze the sequencing data. Then, EMBL software will be used to analyze the phylogenetically. Results and Discussion: There was 1 sample that showed a positive result for Covid-19, namely the intestine of the Cynoptera brachyotis species. There were differences between SARS-CoV-2 in bats in Malang Karst in Indonesia compared to SARS-CoV from 2000 to 2019. The spike protein's receptor binding domain (RBD) is the most variable part of the coronavirus genome. Conclusion: From the research results, one positive sample was obtained using Real-Time PCR, and based on mutation analysis, mutations were found in SARS-CoV-2 against the SARS-CoV virus from 2000-2019. Further research is needed, especially regarding SARS-CoV-2 as a vaccine.

Analyzing the Impact of Dissolved Organic Components on River Water Quality and Its Implications for Human Health: A Case Study from Banjar District

2024-02-22T10:37:48+07:00

Introduction: Environmental contamination, especially water quality, is a global issue. The association between river water quality and human health is explored in Banjar Regency, rich in natural resources and essential rivers, utilizing dissolved organic components concentration as an indicator. Methods: A mixed-methods study in Banjar District, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, examined the impact of river water quality on human health, using dissolved forganic components as a primary indicator. Water quality assessments, nutrient content measurements, consumption surveys, and water-related disease epidemiology provided data. The statistical studies revealed key correlations and patterns. Results and Discussion: Water quality metrics varied among sampling locations. The dissolved fish feed negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen, while nutrient content weakly correlated with gastrointestinal disorders. High water temperatures increased respiratory illnesses. Drinking water from sources with high dissolved fish feed content caused digestive and respiratory problems. The study confirms previous research linking water quality parameters to health effects. The complex relationship between water quality and health is location-dependent, illustrating how environmental factors, especially water quality, shape illness trends. Conclusion: The study illuminates the complex links between river water quality, human health, and water usage in Banjar District. Dissolved fish feed content affects digestive and respiratory disorders, emphasizing the need of water quality management for regional health. These findings guide Banjar District water resource management and public health measures and help solve worldwide environmental pollution issues.