JURNAL KESEHATAN LINGKUNGAN

Microplastic Contamination in Well Water in Coastal Area of Jember Regency: Study of Characteristics, Abundance and Potential Causal Factors

Amanda Agustine Arwikana — 2025-01-31

Introduction: Sand-textured soil such as coastal makes it easier for microplastics to migrate over longer distances. Kalimalang Hamlet, a coastal area, has a sandy soil texture and most of its people consume untreated dug well water. This condition if it occurs in the long term can cause health problems, such as oxidative stress, metabolic changes, immune dysfunction, and cancer. This study is aimed at analyzing the content, abundance, and causative factors of microplastics in the well water of the community of Kalimalang Hamlet. Methods: This study is a quantitative-research with a descriptive method. Thirty samples of people who consumed water were selected by accidental sampling. Ten wells location was determined using cluster random sampling followed by proportional random sampling. Data analysis used was univariate with crosstab. Results and Discussion: The results showed that 10 dug wells were polluted with microplastics with a total of 188 particles with a size of 0.13-7.24 mm and identified forms of fibers, fragments, filaments. It is estimated that there are 235 microplastic particles per day consumed by the community through dug well water. Well depth, floor, sewerage, and distance from the waste management site have the potential to increase the abundance of microplastics. Conclusion: The distance of the dug well from the sea was not a major factor. This shows the need to implement plastic waste management such as 3R, boiling, and multistage filtration in the dug well water that will be consumed.

The Impact of Workplace Dust Exposure and Mask Usage on Pulmonary Function in Construction Environments

Sumardiyono Sumardiyono — 2025-01-31

Introduction: The chance of respiratory diseases among workers participating in toll road construction projects is, for example, higher because of non-organic dust. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the level of lung capacity experienced by the workers by exposing them to dust and wearing masks. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated toll road projects in Central Java and Yogyakarta and randomly selected workers from different strata of construction companies. The volume Air Sampler estimated dust concentration, while the pulmonary function test included spirometry. All data were analyzed using two-way MANOVA. Results and Discussion: The multivariate analysis of variance showed that workers exposed to dust exceeding the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) had significantly reduced FEV1 and FVC averages (p < 0.001). The averages of FEV1 and FVC increased more considerably in mask users than non-users, indicating mask usage's benefits. The decline in lung function was smaller in mask users, with FEV1 (95% CI: 0.080–0.321) and FVC (95% CI: 0.071–0.404). A reduction in walking distance also demonstrated significance to the decrease in FVC. Conclusion: They found that dust in construction declines lung capacity, but wearing masks provides some protection. However, such impact continues even after stopping wearing masks, thus stressing the importance of correct mask usage and staff training. Subsequent research must investigate dust interaction and various types of masks to enhance Indonesian workers’ health.

Identification of Lead Contamination in the Food Chain and Environment Surrounding Breastfeeding Mothers in Highland Agricultural Areas

Dina Rahayuning Pangestuti — 2025-01-31

Introduction: Lead in the environment can be more easily absorbed by individuals with nutritional deficiencies, particularly breastfeeding mothers residing in agricultural areas near lead sources. Contaminated breast milk can disrupt infants' growth and development. This study aims to identify lead contaminants in the environment and assess the nutritional status of breastfeeding mothers to provide preventive measures. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the highland agricultural area of Semarang Regency in October 2021. Environmental samples, including air from agricultural land, settlements, groundwater, and raw food were carried out as environmental samples from 31 breastfeeding mothers. Dietary intake, haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and lead levels in breast milk was carried out. Lead content was analysed using ICP-OES. Geographic information system (GIS) was used to compare spatial distribution lead status levels with identified exposure factors. Results and Discussion: Median age of breastfeeding mothers was 24 years, with 72% being housewives, having a senior high school education. Median age of the infants was 2.5 months, 32% being boys, and 48% were exclusively breastfed. Mean hemoglobin level of the mothers was 13 ± 1.4 g/dL (13.8% was anemic) and median lead level in breast milk was 0.019 ppm. None of the mothers met their recommended macro- and micronutrient intake. Lead content in foods was 0.02-0.180 ppm, groundwater 0.017-0.034 ppm, and air 0-1.56 μg/Nm3 over a three-hours. Conclusion: The environment surrounding breastfeeding mothers contains lead, particularly in the air, and these mother experiences nutritional deficiencies, thereby increasing the risk of lead absorption.

Analysis of Determinant Factors of Carbon Efficiency in Indonesia Based on Domestic Waste Management using Causal Machine Learning

Abdul Hakim Zakkiy Fasya — 2025-01-31

Introduction: Domestic waste management, which is a provincial-level program, is expected to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the sustainability of climate control efforts in Indonesia. Given this context, it is necessary to conduct a carbon efficiency analysis in Indonesia based on domestic waste management efforts. Methods: This study used an observational research design with a cross-sectional time approach. This study predicted the reduction in carbon emissions based on domestic waste management using causal machine learning by analyzing data on GHG emissions and domestic waste management from all provinces in Indonesia. An advantage of causal machine learning is its ability to assess the impact of treatment (domestic waste management) on the results (GHG emissions), as well as mitigating the effects of confounding variables. Results and Discussion: Despite improvements in waste management, several provinces experienced increased waste production, particularly from domestic waste and plastic waste. Analysis using the R programming language revealed that waste management is a significant variable (p = 0.011). However, data limitations posed challenges to comprehensive analysis. Conclusion: Achieving carbon efficiency requires serious waste management efforts. All provinces and cities/regencies must actively participate in program implementation. Routine reporting is essential to monitor the progress toward reducing GHG emissions.

High Blood Lead Levels as A Risk Factor of Stunting: A Study of Children in Agricultural Areas

Alfan Afandi — 2025-01-31

Introduction: The prevalence of stunting among student aged children in Indonesia is relatively high (24.5%). Stunting can threaten the quality of human resources one day. Lead exposure, particularly from pesticides, is thought to disrupt children's development and growth. This study aims to demonstrate that high blood lead levels (BLL) is a risk factor of stunting for children who lives in agricultural areas through the intermediate variable, namely interference with growth hormone (IGF-1). Methods: This study used a case-control design, involving 35 cases (children with HAZ scores of less than -2 SD) and 40 controls (children with HAZ scores of more than -1.5 SD). BLL were measured using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) method. Meanwhile, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels using an ELISA kit (R&D Systems). BLL variables and IGF-1 levels were determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results and Discussion: High BLL (>20.44 μg/dL) and low IGF-1 levels (<100 ng/ml) were identified risk factors for stunting in children in agricultural areas with odd ratios (OR) od 2.8 (1.1-7.1) and 3.3 (1.3-8.5) respectively. Meanwhile, a negative correlation was discovered between BLL and IGF-1 levels (p = 0.002, r = -0.356). Conclusion: High lead exposure has been proven to be a risk factor for stunting in children in agricultural areas through the process of interference with the growth hormone, namely IGF-1. Efforts to prevent stunting, especially in agricultural areas, need to take into account exposure to environmental toxicants, including lead from pesticides.

Comparison of Chronic Heavy Metal Contamination Level in the Body Between Chemical Pesticide Sprayers and General Public Around Agricultural Areas

Renaningtyas Nityasani — 2025-01-31

Introduction: The increasing use of chemical pesticides in agriculture raises concerns about heavy metal exposure. This study compares chronic heavy metal contamination levels (Pb, Cd, Cr6+) in the urine of pesticide sprayers and the general public in agricultural areas. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 100 respondents, equally divided between sprayers and the general public, was conducted. Data were gathered through interviews, observations, and laboratory tests. Heavy metal levels in urine were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Factors like age, work duration, spraying frequency, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use were examined through Mann-Whitney and linear regression tests. Results and Discussion: Pesticide sprayers had significantly higher mean levels of Pb (0.084 mg/kg), Cd (0.010 mg/kg), and Cr6+ (0.010 mg/kg) than the general public. Key contributors to this accumulation included age, working hours, and the number of pesticide mixtures used. Inadequate PPE use and long exposure times were common, leading to health complaints such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches, indicating the harmful effects of pesticide exposure. Conclusion: Pesticide sprayers are at greater risk of heavy metal accumulation due to prolonged exposure and poor safety measures. Improving PPE use and reducing exposure are critical to minimizing health risks from heavy metal contamination. Awareness campaigns are necessary to protect agricultural workers.

Integrating Environmental Health into Disaster-Resilient Villages: Strategies, Challenges, and Solutions in Surakarta, Indonesia

Anton Subarno — 2025-01-31

Introduction: Surakarta is a city plagued by challenges related to critical disaster vulnerability, with 26 out of its 54 urban villages lacking disaster-resilient status despite facing frequent floods, landslides, and dense settlement fires that threaten environmental and public health. Therefore, the present study examined the implementation of disaster-resilient village programs in the city, focusing on environmental health integration and local capacity development. Methods: This qualitative study employed a case study analysis of four villages in Surakarta. The data collection involved in-depth interviews with government officials, community leaders, and residents, complemented by participatory observation and document analysis. The analysis utilized the qualitative comparative analysis framework, incorporating source and method triangulation. Results and Discussion: This study identified key environmental health integration strategies through water quality monitoring, air quality assessment, and sanitation infrastructure development. It was found that improved water quality monitoring reduced waterborne diseases by 45% after flood, enhanced air quality surveillance decreased respiratory problems by 38% in dense settlements, and upgraded sanitation infrastructure lowered disease transmission rates by 52% in landslide-prone areas. Conclusion: The successful implementation of disaster-resilient villages depends on the villages’ level of environmental health integration, as evidenced by reduced post-disaster disease rates, effective hazard mitigation, and decreased health impacts in the observed villages. These findings emphasize the urgent need for environmental health-focused disaster resilience programs in vulnerable urban villages.

Meta Analysis: Risk Factor Analysis of Dengue Disease Incidence in Indonesia

Soedjajadi Keman — 2025-01-31

Introduction: Dengue fever is endemic in over 100 countries, Africa, America, and several other European countries. Indonesia became the top of the list a few years ago. The study aimed to analyze risk factors (hanging clothes, water reservoir conditions, and jumantik cadres) with the incidence of DHF. Methods: This is quantitative research with meta-analysis. Meta-analysis has four stages: data abstraction, data analysis using JASP Version 0.18.3, and publication bias test. Conduct heterogeneity tests, funnel plots, egger tests, and forest plots. Results and Discussion: The heterogeneity test of hanging clothes and water reservoirs using a random effects model because p-value smaller than 0.05. Jumantik cadre using the fixed effects model is larger than p < 0.001 i.e. p = 0.303. The forest plot of hanging clothes has pooled value PR=e0.26 = 1.297 (95% CI -0.05-0.57), pooled water reservoir value PR= e0.55 = 1.73 (95% CI 0.30 - 0.79), and jumantik cadre pooled value OR= e0.70= 2.01 (95% CI 0.24 - 1.33). The highest risk factor for dengue cases is jumantik cadres with the pooled value obtained PR = e0.70 = 2.01 (95% CI 0.24 – 1.33). Conclusion: Based on the results of the meta-analysis in this study, jumantik cadres has the greatest risk factor value compared to other variables. The second highest risk factor was in water reservoirs, followed by the next variable hanging clothes.

Assessment of the Potential Health Risks Associated with the Plumbum, Cadmium, Zinc and Nickel Content in Fish Tissue Collected from Retention Pond

Nabila Natasya Abdullah — 2025-01-31

Introduction: The presence of heavy metals in fish constitutes a potential health risk to human consumers. This research aims to address this issue by determining the concentration of heavy metals in fish samples collected from retention ponds and assessing potential health risks for those who consume fish caught from the ponds. The primary objectives involve assessing the concentrations of heavy metals in fish tissues. Additionally, the study aim to evaluate potential health risks. Methods: The Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was employed to quantify heavy metal concentrations, while health risk assessments were based on EDI, THQ, HI, and CR calculations. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate a metal distribution pattern in the order of Zn> Pb> Ni> Cd and the observed value is lower than the maximum level permitted by FAO. The THQ and HI values for all studied metals were found to be below 1, signifying a lack of adverse non-carcinogenic health effects on consumers. At the same time, the cancer risk values for examined heavy metals are well below the value 10-4 which is consider as acceptable cancer risk, except Ni. CR value for Ni was recorded higher than 10-4 approaching higher limit of acceptable limit, suggesting a heightened cancer risk for consumers who consume these fish throughout their entire lifespan. Conclussion: The findings from this research have significant implications, contributing to various aspects of public health, environmental management, and regulatory measures.

Systematic Review: Impact of Bisphenol-A (BPA) Exposure on Human Health

Sulistiyani Sulistiyani — 2025-01-31

Introduction: One chemical substance used in producing epoxy resins and polycarbonate (PC) is called bisphenol-A (BPA). Three million tons of the chemical compound bisphenol-A are still produced annually. The amount of BPA produced in 2015 was 7.7 million tons; by 2022, 10.8 million tons are anticipated to be made. This study aimed to ascertain the effects of bisphenol-A exposure on human health. Discussion: This study used a systematic review method by collecting articles through online databases with a publication range of 2018 - 2024. The article search used the PRISMA flow diagram. The findings of 30 articles all examined the impact of BPA exposure on health. The level of exposure to bisphenol-A can have an impact on health due to the nature of BPA EDC (Endocrine Disrupting Hormone) which can inhibit the activity of natural hormones in the body. Conclusion: The impact on human health due to exposure to bisphenol-A such as cancer, obesity, disruption of reproductive health, hypertension, disrupting child development, and also behavioral changes in children. Bisphenol-A enters the body not only through food packaging but also through air and dust contaminated with BPA. The length of exposure and concentration of BPA affect its effects on the human body.