ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Management
Y.A. Pratama; M.Y.A. Kadir; A. Rivaldi; I.C. Mulya; S. Amirah; M. Iqhrammullah
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Climate change and pollution present severe threats to the environment and human well-being. Women are disproportionately affected by health challenges, including reproduction, cardiovascular, and neurological challenges. To address this issue, gender-inclusive environmental ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Climate change and pollution present severe threats to the environment and human well-being. Women are disproportionately affected by health challenges, including reproduction, cardiovascular, and neurological challenges. To address this issue, gender-inclusive environmental policies must be implemented. This aspect is particularly important with a setback observed in the environmental management regulations in Indonesia, where the government ratified the Omnibus Law on Job Creation, which removes the stringent licensing process for environmentally impactful activities. This situation highlights government negligence, emphasizing the urgent necessity for enhanced women’s participation in the legislature. This study has two objectives. First, evidence of environmental impact on women’s health is subject for evaluation. Second, this study aims to highlight the urgent need for increased women’s participation in environmental policy-making and legislative processes.METHODS: This study used bibliometric analysis, examining metadata from published literature indexed in the Scopus database. The search, conducted on 10 January 2024, utilized the keywords “Women” AND “Environment” and their synonyms, covering records from 1909 to 2024. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using Biblioshiny, with network and density visualization performed using VOSviewer. The participation of women in decision-making was analyzed based on their number of seats in Parliament and a literature survey. The selection of frequently occurring keywords and clusters of keyword co-occurrence was carried out independently by two independent reviewers.FINDINGS: The bibliometric analysis included metadata from 3770 records, revealing an exponential increase in trends from 2000 to 2020. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified eight research topic clusters focused on the environmental impact on women’s health. Thereafter, the co-occurring keywords were utilized to trace the evolution of study themes, resulting in the identification of four main themes with well-established scientific evidence: (1) air pollution impact on pregnancy and its outcome, (2) pollution impact on women’s hormones, (3) environmental impact in urban settings, and (4) heavy metal pollution. Indonesia has never achieved 30 percent women representation in Parliament, highlighting the unsatisfactory participation of women in legislative elections. The underrepresentation of women directly impacts the insufficient attention to their well-being throughout the policy-making.CONCLUSION: The environment significantly influences women’s health, potentially making the population markedly vulnerable owing to societal roles and hormonal factors. To address this issue, a crucial step is actively involving women in policy-making, particularly through a reserved seat concept in Parliament. This approach, applicable globally, acknowledges the widespread impact of environmental issues on women across countries.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Engineering
I. Alazzam; K. Shatanawi; R. Al-Weshah
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Jordan is among the most water-scarce countries in the world. The scarcity of water resources in Jordan is driving the development and advances of non-conventional water techniques that enable integrated management of water resources in addressing water scarcity challenges ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Jordan is among the most water-scarce countries in the world. The scarcity of water resources in Jordan is driving the development and advances of non-conventional water techniques that enable integrated management of water resources in addressing water scarcity challenges and promoting sustainable water use. Water harvesting of rainwater and fog techniques is one of the viable solutions to mitigate the water scarcity effects in Jordan. This study aimed to evaluate the quantity of rainwater and fog collected through the utilization of solar panels, while also conducting a feasibility analysis on the economic and environmental aspects of employing solar panels for rainwater and fog harvesting in a solar farm situated in Jordan.METHODS: In the present study, an in-situ experiment is conducted to investigate rainwater and fog harvesting from solar panels' surfaces that are widely spread in Jordan. The solar farm situated in Hai Al Sahabah, south of Amman, Jordan, incorporates an experimental arrangement that involves the installation of gutters, pipes, and water tanks beneath two solar panel samples. These panels have a total area of 4 square meters and will be monitored for a duration of 60 days.FINDING: The results of the experiment show that the total quantity of the harvested rainwater using two solar panels was 444 liters ranging from 0.8 liters per day to 117.66 liters per day, and the total harvested fog quantity was 28 liters ranging from 0.25 liters per day to 9.75 liters per day. The multilinear regression technique was employed to establish a correlation between the amount of harvested water and the crucial factors of wind direction, wind speed, relative humidity, and temperature at the solar farm. The analysis of the findings revealed a significant relationship between these variables. These relationships can be generalized to provide an estimation for the quantity of rainwater and fog harvesting in other locations. The quantity of harvested rainwater was primarily influenced by wind speed and direction, the quantity of harvested fog was mainly affected by relative humidity and temperature. The current study aims to analyze and deliberate on the collected amounts of water obtained through rainwater and fog harvesting from solar panels. The viability of implementing the method of rainwater and fog harvesting from solar panels will be examined in terms of economic and environmental factors.CONCLUSIONS: The quantity of rainwater gathered in this research with just two solar panels shows great potential for widespread use as a supplementary water supply. This method of rainwater and fog harvesting can be effectively applied to solar power plants which are widely spread in Jordan for use in solar panel cleaning, agriculture, groundwater recharge, and reducing stormwater discharge to assess and manage the risk of environmental damage. Rainwater and fog harvesting systems offer a higher level of efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to other methods, especially when seamlessly integrated into the infrastructure of solar power plants. The benefits of solar panels by producing clean energy are not negotiable but combining energy production with water harvesting in solar power plants would offer even more advantages in enhancing the global environmental situation.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Engineering
V.G. Shcherbak; Y.I. Danko; S. Tereshchenko; O. Nifatova; N. Dehtiar; O. Stepanova; V. Yatsenko
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the context of war, rural areas of Ukraine have encountered serious environmental challenges that threaten not only the environment but also the resilience of communities. This study aims to examine the impact of circular economy and inclusion on reducing the risk of ecological ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the context of war, rural areas of Ukraine have encountered serious environmental challenges that threaten not only the environment but also the resilience of communities. This study aims to examine the impact of circular economy and inclusion on reducing the risk of ecological threaten, addressing resource usage issues, and restoring ecology in rural areas during wartime. The objectives include analyzing the potential of the circular economy and inclusive practices to solve the mentioned problems.METHODS: Various methods were used to analyze the impact of circular economy and inclusion on the environmental situation in rural areas. The foundation of the research was based on reviewing scientific literature and analyzing previous studies, which allowed for assessing the potential impact of these factors on the environment. The main methods applied included quantitative data analysis through regression modeling, which helped identify the relationship between the level of inclusion and circular economy practices with changes in the level of ecological threaten. Additionally, the use of taxonomy allowed determining the level of ecological threaten, while cluster analysis was used to distribute territories based on the level of ecological threaten ecocide. Factor analysis helped to understand how circular economy measures and inclusion affect ecological threaten, and regression analysis was used to confirm the validity of the research hypotheses.FINDINGS: The study demonstrates integrating circular economy principles with active community engagement significantly mitigates ecological threats in wartime rural Ukraine, achieving a 45 percent risk reduction. Direct positive impact of circular economy practices and inclusivity on environmental health, marking a 30 percent ecological improvement, was discovered. Research highlights innovations and inclusive practices enhance biodiversity by 25 percent and boost agricultural productivity by 20 percent. These findings underline the urgent need for a shift towards a sustainable management model combining circular economy principles with extensive social inclusion, essential for ecological resilience and rejuvenation of rural Ukrainian areas amidst conflict.CONCLUSION: Implementing circular economy and inclusivity in rural Ukraine reduces ecological threats by 45 percent, enhancing biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Circular economy and inclusion are key strategies for ensuring ecological resilience and restoration in rural areas of Ukraine during war time. The implementation of circular economy, waste reduction, resource reuse, development of low-carbon technologies, and active community engagement in environmental initiatives can contribute to the resilience and recovery of affected regions.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Science
M.N. Hidayat; R. Wafdan; M. Ramli; Z.A. Muchlisin; S. Rizal
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Understanding the correlation between tidal rhythms and marine organism behavior is crucial. This extends beyond fluctuations in chlorophyll a concentrations and includes various biological processes in the marine environment. Awareness is key for a comprehensive perspective ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Understanding the correlation between tidal rhythms and marine organism behavior is crucial. This extends beyond fluctuations in chlorophyll a concentrations and includes various biological processes in the marine environment. Awareness is key for a comprehensive perspective on the role of tidal forces, affecting ocean’s physical aspects and life form diversity. This study aims to explore the complex relationship between tidal movements and chlorophyll a concentrations in the northern Bay of Bengal, focusing on how tidal rhythms affect chlorophyll a concentrations.METHODS: The analyzed variables include tidal parameters, such as lunar semidiurnal tidal characteristics and Simpson–Hunter parameters, as well as sea level, tidal current, and current magnitude, obtained from the tidal model driver. Additionally, hourly chlorophyll a data for January 2022 were acquired from the geostationary meteorological satellite Himawari-8, and the rate of change of chlorophyll a was determined through chlorophyll a calculations. This study employs wavelet analysis, applying continuous wavelet transform and wavelet transform coherence for chlorophyll a, rate of change of chlorophyll a, sea level, tidal current, and current magnitude, to explore oscillation patterns and temporal correlations within the marine ecosystem of the northern Bay of Bengal.FINDINGS: Lunar semidiurnal tidal amplitudes increase toward the north, peaking at the Sagar and Ramree Islands, and tidal phases rise from south to northeast. Most of the bay, categorized by <0.25 Formzahl values, experiences semidiurnal tides. Surface lunar semidiurnal elliptic currents, stronger in the north and east, flow clockwise and turn counterclockwise toward the south. The Simpson–Hunter parameter indicates heightened tidal mixing, particularly along the northern and eastern coasts. Region 2 showed the highest mean chlorophyll a concentration (12.58 milligram per cubic meter), whereas Region 1 showed the lowest mean chlorophyll a concentration (0.79 milligram per cubic meter). Similar trends were observed for tidal current and current magnitude. The continuous wavelet transform analysis provides data on chlorophyll a and the rate of change of chlorophyll a within 6, 12, and 24 hour, sea level changes within 8–16 hours, and consistent tidal effects on tidal current and current magnitude in the range of 5–7 hour. The wavelet transform coherence analysis highlights the relationships between chlorophyll a and sea level over 12- and 24- hour periods and between chlorophyll a and current magnitude. Furthermore, the wavelet transform coherence analysis examines the rate of change in chlorophyll a in relation to tidal currents over 6, 12, and 24 hour.CONCLUSION: Tides remarkably affect chlorophyll a concentrations. There are strong links between chlorophyll a concentrations and key tidal aspects, such as sea level and current magnitude. Higher tidal variables correlate with increased chlorophyll a concentrations and are related to the Simpson–Hunter parameter, indicating that regions with vigorous mixing show higher chlorophyll a concentrations. This finding highlights the major role of tidal forces and variations in the chlorophyll a concentrations in the Bay of Bengal. The wavelet transform coherence analysis of chlorophyll a, sea level, and current magnitude data in Regions 1, 2, and 3 show notable coherence in all areas.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Science
M. Kamaraj; P. Kamali; R. Kaviya; K. Abishek; B. Navinkumar; T.G. Nithya; L.S. Wong; J. Aravind
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and organic dye pollution is associated with an increased risk of toxicity, hazard, and cancer due to their widespread use. Exogenous endocrine disruptors are responsible for interfering with reproduction and development because they ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and organic dye pollution is associated with an increased risk of toxicity, hazard, and cancer due to their widespread use. Exogenous endocrine disruptors are responsible for interfering with reproduction and development because they can either stimulate or decrease endogenous hormone responses. This work explores the feasibility of human hair biochar as a potential adsorbent for possible solid waste management processes to minimize environmental pollution. Malachite green and bisphenol-A were selected as model pollutants, and the response surface methodology was used to identify the maximal removal of these hazardous substances.METHODS: Samples of human hair waste are collected and processed. After air drying for 24 hours, it was carbonized in a hot air oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 3 hours to obtain the human hair biochar. The biochar was subjected to various instrumental analyses to ascertain the characteristics of the biochar. Both malachite green and bisphenol-A adsorption experiments are performed in a batch method. Initial pollutant concentration (100 milligrams per liter), the volume of pollutant solution (50 milliliters), temperature (37 degrees Celsius), and agitation speed of orbital shaker (150 rotation per minute) are established as constants in this investigation. Data obtained from an Ultra Violet-Visible spectrophotometer was used to design expert software to calculate adsorption efficiency. Data variables A, B, and C included the potential of hydrogen (3, 6, 9), duration (60, 150, 240 minutes), and adsorbent dose (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 gram per liter) in the Response Surface Methodology experiment.FINDINGS: The human hair biochar is characterized by analytical methods, and Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller analysis revealed that it has a porous nature and extensive surface area, an amorphous structure, and various functional groups. The efficiency of adsorbent investigated over Malachite green and bisphenol-A in a batch experiment and performance variation of three parameters: A: potential of hydrogen (3, 6, 9), B: duration (60, 150, 240 minutes), and C: Human hair biochar dose (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 gram per liter) were evaluated via box-behnken design. Through analysis of variance and numerical expectation, the optimal potential of hydrogen, duration, and Human hair biochar dose was predicted as 3, 150 minutes, and 0.5 grams per liter, which resulted in a maximum removal of 96 percent for malachite green and 83 percent for bisphenol-A.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the facile heat-assisted development of biochar from human hair waste as a potential candidate for environmental remediation. The topography, structure, surface area, and functional group analysis of human hair biochar were carried out using analytical techniques that reveal the biochar has the potential for adsorbent characteristics. The adsorption efficiency of human hair biochar was demonstrated for malachite green (96 percent) and bisphenol-A (83 percent) response surface methodology under optimal conditions. The results suggested the model's relevance for the sorption of dyes and contaminants. The current study concludes that biochar can be prepared using a less expensive method and can be an alternate option to remove the dyes and other emerging contaminants in the aqueous matrix.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Engineering
Naharuddin .; Rukmi .; S.D. Massiri; B. Toknok; Akhbar .; I.N. Korja
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Peak flow in watershed is important in designing and controlling soil erosion, as well as assessing the potential water yield. It also serves as a basis for assessing and managing the risk of environmental damage. However, there is no accurate information on peak flow to ensure ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Peak flow in watershed is important in designing and controlling soil erosion, as well as assessing the potential water yield. It also serves as a basis for assessing and managing the risk of environmental damage. However, there is no accurate information on peak flow to ensure sustainable management and conservation of Wuno Sub-Watershed in Palu Watershed which serves as a buffer for the capital of Central Sulawesi Province. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and determine the potential runoff and peak flows in watershed using soil conservation service-curve number.METHODS: Soil conservation service-curve number method was calculated to analyze rainfall from runoff as a function of cumulative rainfall, land use, soil type, and humidity. This method was developed by the United States Soil Conservation Service in 1972 and applied in this study with due consideration for several variables, including (a) land use classification and intensity for settlements, rice fields, plantations, rivers, etc., (b) basic physical conditions of the area such as rainfall and hydrology, as well as (c) classes of soil hydrology significantly influencing carbon-nitrogen value.FINDINGS: The result showed that carbón-nitrogen values for all types of land use or cover were in normal conditions from 5 to 25 years. Moreover, carbón-nitrogen range was observed to have significantly large quantitative consequences on direct runoff. The trend showed the need for precision and effectiveness in planning watershed management and conservation. Soil conservation service also had a positive influence on land use, specifically runoff, as observed in carbón-nitrogen values for return periods of 2, 5, 25, and 100 years. However, several other factors were identified to influence land use such as land cover and soil texture.CONCLUSION: Soil Conservation Service presented an analysis of how land use affected runoff, specifically with a focus on carbon-nitrogen values. Land use was not only affected by carbon-nitrogen values but other factors such as land cover and geomorphometric properties. The trend showed the need for a more comprehensive exploration of soil conservation service-curve number method in accurately predicting runoff patterns in sub-watershed areas to ensure effective and sustainable management and conservation practices.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Engineering
S. Mokatip; K. Chunkao; W. Wararam; S. Bualert; O. Phewnil; T. Pattamapitoon; N. Semvimol; P. Maskulrath; P. Rollap; S. Thaipakdee
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Domestic wastewater pollution in Thailand presents challenges due to limited space and a high concentration of point source effluents. This phenomenon often leads to domestic wastewater exceeding the capacity of local treatment systems. This study aims to expand the knowledge ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Domestic wastewater pollution in Thailand presents challenges due to limited space and a high concentration of point source effluents. This phenomenon often leads to domestic wastewater exceeding the capacity of local treatment systems. This study aims to expand the knowledge gained from The King’s Royally Initiated Laem Phak Bia Environmental Research and Development Project by evaluating the treatability of municipal wastewater. It utilizes a constructed wetland system in conjunction with a transfer and point source system. After the implementation of this primary system, the reduction in highly contaminated domestic wastewater could enhance the treatment loading of other secondary treatment systems or even facilitate its release into natural pathways.METHODS: In the sampling collection process, the dynamics of the collection points were categorized into three different zones: 1) the point sources of domestic wastewater within a municipality, where 15 sample points were selected to represent the municipality; 2) the collection pond within the municipality and the transfer pipeline, comprising three collection points of the system; 3) the constructed wetland treatment system, where five water samples were collected in relation to the length of the existing 100-meter plot. The water samples were collected using four 1-liter polyethylene bottles. The analysis parameters were the biological oxygen demand, total nitrogen, nitrate, total phosphorous and phosphate, and other parameters related to domestic wastewater treatment efficacy.FINDING: This study reveals that the domestic wastewater in Phetchaburi Province initially has a high organic content, leading to a biochemical oxygen demand: nitrogen: phosphorous ratio of 100:2.5:0.2 favoring anaerobic degradation. This ratio shifts in the constructed wetland system, located 18.5 kilometers away, to 100:10.5:2.3, promoting anaerobic treatment. The system shows high efficacy, with 81.4, 50.0, and 58.3 percent removal rates for biochemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, and phosphorus, respectively. This efficacy corresponds to a notable reduction in average biochemical oxygen demand from 740.0 to 9.7 milligrams per liter. Moreover, changes are observed in total nitrogen content, shifting from 20.8 to 2.8 milligrams per liter, in the system’s effluent. While lastly, the total phosphorous decreased from 2.75 to 0.60 milligrams per literCONCLUSION: This treatment method can be effectively applied to small-scale constructed wetland systems within households. The recommended hydraulic retention time is between 29 and 60 hours under anaerobic conditions and 3 days under aerobic conditions. The changes in the composition of municipal wastewater, which is highly organic, support the use of both degradation processes. The knowledge and application of the constructed wetland system could be suggested for the primary treatment system of domestic wastewater within municipalities, given that this system would provide support to the central wastewater treatment system for enhanced efficacy.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Engineering
M.G. Nugraha; A. Sharfan; V.S.Y. Prakoso; M. Hidayat; H. Saptoadi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Agriculture significantly contributes to global economies, yet it concurrently generates waste in the form of crop residues. Conventional waste disposal methods, such as open burning, contribute to atmospheric particulate emissions, impacting air quality regionally and potentially ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Agriculture significantly contributes to global economies, yet it concurrently generates waste in the form of crop residues. Conventional waste disposal methods, such as open burning, contribute to atmospheric particulate emissions, impacting air quality regionally and potentially globally. Exposure to these pollutants poses substantial risks to human health, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and premature mortality. This study aims to assess the environmental implications of biomass waste combustion in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Additionally, the study aims to investigate potential enhancements in biomass burning practices through experimental campaigns conducted in both open and closed burning conditions.METHODS: The study evaluates Yogyakarta's regional air quality using data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency for the period spanning from 2020 to 2022. Emission factors from open and closed burning practices are assessed using an experimental furnace equipped with real-time combustion parameters monitoring, including temperature, particulate matter concentration, and oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. The openburning experiments involve various combustion conditions for bagasse, leaf litter, and rice straw, encompassing variations in ignition location, initial mass, and air supply methods. Closed burning experiments explore variations in reloading frequency, air-fuel ratio, and air staging.FINDINGS: Yogyakarta's air quality assessment involves comparing rice harvest trends with atmospheric particulate matter concentrations during 2020-2022. Open burning practices in Yogyakarta exhibit a correlation with heightened rainfall, which in turn leads to higher emissions from April to August due to reduced rain frequency. Experimental campaigns have revealed that open burning practices result in a significant amount of emissions, ranging from 3 to 29 grams of particulate matter per kilogram of biomass.. Meanwhile, the utilization of closed combustion systems has been demonstrated to decrease the emission factor within the range of 0.37 to 1.98 grams of particulate matter per kilogram of biomass. This highlights the importance of operating conditions altering particulate emissions. Moreover, the emission reduction by factor nine, emphasizing the efficacy of controlled combustion techniques in comparison to open burning methods, in mitigating particulate emissions.CONCLUSION: The study identifies that greater initial biomass mass, mid-ignition, and natural airflow contribute to lower emissions in open burning practices. o achieve optimal closed combustion conditions, it is recommended to reload biomass more frequently with100 percent excess air allocation, distributing 30 percent to primary air and 70 percent to secondary air. These findings not only propose better practices for disposing of agricultural waste and minimizing air pollution but also emphasize the potential of utilizing biomass waste for energy conversion.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Science
F. Fuentes Gandara; I. Piñeres Ariza; A. Zambrano Arevalo; G. Castellar Ortega; C. Herrera Herrera; S. Castro Muñoz; G. Peluffo Foliaco; J. Pinedo-Hernández
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The textile industry is known to produce large amounts of dyes and other harmful contaminants. This issue is of great importance as it adversely affects both water resources and the well-being of organisms. To address this issue, biochar is frequently used as a sustainable ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The textile industry is known to produce large amounts of dyes and other harmful contaminants. This issue is of great importance as it adversely affects both water resources and the well-being of organisms. To address this issue, biochar is frequently used as a sustainable and environmentally friendly material for removing chemical contaminants during wastewater treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of utilizing biochar obtained from banana peels as a promising bioadsorbent for reducing environmental pollution caused by direct navy blue dye. The research investigated various factors such as temperature, potential of hydrogen levels, particle size, and concentrations to determine the effectiveness of biochar in dye removal.METHODS: The biochar obtained was separated into powdered and granular forms based on particle sizes of 425 and 850 micrometer, respectively. The biochar's textural characteristics were assessed through nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the Boehm method were employed to analyze and measure organic functional groups, specifically acidic groups, for identification and quantification purposes. Batch experiments were performed to ascertain the effects of the initial concentration and potential of hydrogen on the adsorption capacity and removal percentage.FINDINGS: The results indicated that the powdered biochar obtained at 500 degrees Celsius had the higher surface area, with a value of 80.4 square meter per gram. The biochar demonstrated remarkable removal percentages, achieving 97 percent at the lowest concentration and 89 percent at the highest concentration, when the potential of hydrogen was adjusted to a value of 6. The Freundlich model gave the best fit to the experimental data for this biochar and obeyed pseudo second order kinetics, with correlation coefficients of 0.93 and 0.99, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of the high removal efficiency achieved by biochar derived from banana peel waste in the removal of direct navy blue dye. Precise temperature control during the calcination process is essential to ensure its favorable chemical and textural properties. The unique attributes of banana peel biochar position it as an exceptionally promising adsorbent material. Not only is it cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but it also outperforms current wastewater treatment technologies in terms of competitiveness. Its remarkable ability to reduce contaminants, particularly the removal of dyes, further solidifies its potential as a highly effective solution.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Science
L. Fitriyana; M.D. Supardan; Y. Aisyah; Irfan .
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Calophyllum inophyllum (C. inophyllum), or Nyamplung, seeds contain various active compounds. Using C. inophyllum seeds as a source of flavonoids for natural antioxidants can increase their economic value and provide alternative compounds for cosmetics, including lotions. This ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Calophyllum inophyllum (C. inophyllum), or Nyamplung, seeds contain various active compounds. Using C. inophyllum seeds as a source of flavonoids for natural antioxidants can increase their economic value and provide alternative compounds for cosmetics, including lotions. This study applied maceration and ultrasonic methods using ethanol to extract the active compounds from the C. inophyllum seeds. The study optimised extracting the antioxidant components from C. inophyllum seeds using response surface methodology.METHODS: The experimental design used in this study was response surface methodology with a Box–Behnken design to model the influence of variables on the response of the yield and antioxidant activity of extracts obtained through maceration and ultrasonic extraction and to model lotion formulation. The extraction methods were designed with three variables (extraction time, solvent concentration, and sample–solvent ratio) and three levels (low, medium, and high), and the compounds in the extracts were analysed. Lotion formulation was designed with three variables (C. inophyllum seed extract, Tween 80, and carbomer) and three levels (low, medium, and high), and the quality of the lotion product (antioxidant activity and viscosity) was analysed.Results: The C. inophyllum seed extract obtained through maceration had stronger antioxidant activity than that obtained using the ultrasonic method, with 50 per cent inhibition concentration values of 13.154 and 16.343 part per million, respectively. Characterisation with gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy revealed ten compounds with major percentage values, among them 2''-(trimethylsilyl)oxy-3,4,4'',5- tetramethoxychalcone (49.70 per cent). This compound played an important role in enhancing antioxidant activity in C. inophyllum seeds extracted through maceration, whereas butylated hydroxytoluene (9.16 per cent) was important in the extract obtained using the ultrasonic method. The lotion produced from the C. inophyllum seed extract contained high antioxidant activity with a 50 per cent inhibition concentration of 4.621 part per million; the toxicity text showed it was safe to be used (50 per cent lethal concentration of 789 grams per millilitre).CONCLUSION: The results showed the effectiveness of this approach in determining the optimal conditions to maximise antioxidant content. The maceration method better ability enhanced the antioxidant activity capacity of C. inophyllum seeds compared to the ultrasonic method, as indicated by the response surface method. Both extraction methods produced the same secondary metabolite compounds with a promising reservoir of antioxidant compounds. In addition, the findings of this study showed the high antioxidant activity of C. inophyllum seed extract lotion, which could be developed for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and other applications.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Engineering
O. Phewnil; T. Pattamapitoon; N. Semvimol; W. Wararam; K. Duangmal; A. Intaraksa; K. Chunkao; P. Maskulrath; S. Hanthayung; P. Wichittrakarn
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Landslide disasters in Thailand between 1970 and 2011 revealed a notable pattern: they primarily originated on mountain slopes, distinguished by a deeper soil profile. This soil profile comprised clay loam and sandy loam textures and was situated over aged geological formations ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Landslide disasters in Thailand between 1970 and 2011 revealed a notable pattern: they primarily originated on mountain slopes, distinguished by a deeper soil profile. This soil profile comprised clay loam and sandy loam textures and was situated over aged geological formations of granite and shale rocks. The affected areas included the southern and northern provinces of Thailand.This study investigated the consequences of landslide hazards on stream water and sediment quality in two watersheds: the Mae Phul–Mae Prong watershed in Uttaradit province, the northern part of Thailand, and the Klong Kram watershed in Surat Thani province, the southern part of Thailand. These watersheds had experienced recurrent landslides, primarily on mountain slopes characterized by deep clayey and sandy loam soils over old granite and shale rock types as well as old granite limestone.METHODS: During wet and dry periods in April and November 2015, 108 samples were collected from 18 stations (9 stations in the Klong Kram watershed and 9 stations in the Mae Phul–Mae Prong watershed). These samples included upland soil, stream water, and sediments. For upland soils, 1 kilogram samples were collected through auger and V-shaped pit techniques using a stainless-steel spade, with composite sampling conducted at 0–30 centimeters across all 18 stations. Stream water was collected in one part using a 1-L polyethylene bottle at 30 centimeter from the stream layer, while other samples were compositely collected in sterilized glass bottles to determine coliforms. Soil and sediment samples were compositely collected from the bottom using a stainless-steel spade. All samples were stored at 4 degrees Celsius and transported to a laboratory for analysis. The insight gained from these collection efforts elucidated the dynamics of landslide impacts at the spatial scale for the two watersheds.FINDINGS: Most water samples met Thai surface water quality standard for various parameters; however, microbial contamination of the water samples attributed to community activities along stream banks was detected. Notably, arsenic was consistently detected in upland soil, stream water, and sediment samples. For Uttaradit, the average arsenic concentrations were 0.22 ± 0.09 milligram per kilogram, 0.01 ± 0.14 milligram per liter, and 9.74 ± 4.42 milligram per kilogram in upland soil, water, and sediment samples, respectively. For Surat Thani, arsenic concentrations were 87.63 ± 208.83 milligram per kilogram, 0.01 ± 0.01 milligram per liter, and 19.44 ± 36.38 milligram per kilogram in upland soil, water, and sediment samples, respectively, particularly near landslide scars where the arsenic concentrations were significantly higher in sediments and upland soils compared with stream water, highlighting the role of landslides near streams. These data suggest that sediment transport from upland soil in the landslide scar into stream water affects water quality, particularly in terms of arsenic concentration near the landslide scar, often surpassing natural standards.CONCLUSION: The study concluded that stream water was directly affected by landslides as these watersheds were unsuitable for consumption due to arsenic and microbial contaminations. This conclusion emphasizes the critical need to incorporate landslide hazard considerations into watershed management practices to safeguard downstream communities and preserve water resources.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Science
W.O.S. Rizki; E. Ratnaningsih; D.G.T. Andini; S. Komariah; A.T. Simbara; R. Hertadi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Petroleum-based plastics produce tremendous amounts of plastic waste every year, which contributes to environmental problems. Biological polymers, such as polyhydroxybutyrate, have caught attention as an ecofriendly substitute to petroleum-based plastics. The present study ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Petroleum-based plastics produce tremendous amounts of plastic waste every year, which contributes to environmental problems. Biological polymers, such as polyhydroxybutyrate, have caught attention as an ecofriendly substitute to petroleum-based plastics. The present study focused on the production, enhancement, and characterization of polyhydroxybutyrate from the prospective local bacterium Halomonas elongata. This research aimed to develop an environmentally sustainable material for reducing the accumulation of plastic waste in the ecosystem.METHODS: A local bacterial strain from Mud Crater Bledug Kuwu, Grobogan, Central Java, Indonesia, was isolated and identified as Halomonas elongata. Nile red staining method confirmed that this bacterium accumulated polyhydroxybutyrate. The effect of incubation time, sodium chloride concentration, nitrogen, and carbon sources were evaluated via gas chromatography to enhance its productivity. The functional groups of isolated polyhydroxybutyrate were analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Morphology and composition were demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermogravimetry, and differential thermal analysis were used to analyze thermal stability.FINDINGS: Halomonas elongata produced polyhydroxybutyrate utilizing glucose as a carbon source, as evidenced by orange-fluorescence colonies under ultraviolet light. The optimum condition of polyhydroxybutyrate production was achieved when the bacterium was cultivated in a high medium containing 5 percent sodium chloride, 0.2 percent yeast extract, and 5 percent glucose (as measured by weight per volume) after 72 hours of incubation. The maximum polyhydroxybutyrate production in this medium reached 2.93 ± 0.03 gram per liter dry cell weight and 78 ± 1 percent polyhydroxybutyrate concentration. Structural elucidation studies revealed that the biopolymer produced by this bacterium was high-purity polyhydroxybutyrate, as proven by the presence of functional groups and proton resonance signals in the monomer structure. The isolated polyhydroxybutyrate consisted of 14 percent carbon and 86 percent oxygen. Thermal stability analysis showed that the isolated polyhydroxybutyrate had a maximum decomposition temperature of 270 degrees Celsius. Micrographically, the isolated polyhydroxybutyrate appeared as a sheet structure with interconnected fibers measuring 0.7–0.8 micromter in length. This finding also demonstrates that the isolated polyhydroxybutyrate has good thermal stability given that fibers linked each polyhydroxybutyrate molecule, which boosted the structure of polyhydroxybutyrate.CONCLUSION: This study successfully synthesized polyhydroxybutyrate using a local strain of Halomonas elongata, with glucose as a carbon source. Physicochemical characterization revealed that polyhydroxybutyrate from this bacterium has a high thermal stability. The yield of polyhydroxybutyrate can be increased through the improvement of production parameters. This research emphasizes an important milestone toward the large-scale production of polyhydroxybutyrate for application as food packaging while reducing environmental issues.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Science
S.H. Larekeng; M. Nursaputra; M.F. Mappiasse; S. Ishak; M. Basyuni; E. Sumarga; V.B. Arifanti; A.A. Aznawi; Y.I. Rahmila; M. Yulianti; R. Rahmania; A. Mubaraq; S.G. Salmo III; H. Ali; I. Yenny
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mangroves play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon stocks. However, there is a lack of information on mangrove distribution and their carbon absorption abilities. Therefore, this study aimed to bridge this gap by gathering data on the ability of ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mangroves play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon stocks. However, there is a lack of information on mangrove distribution and their carbon absorption abilities. Therefore, this study aimed to bridge this gap by gathering data on the ability of mangrove forest areas to absorb carbon stocks. Specifically, this study aims to assess the carbon absorption potential of the Lantebung mangrove ecosystem through field surveys, allometric calculations, and unmanned aerial vehicle imagery.METHODS: The methodology employed in this study consisted of field surveys, allometric calculations, and multispectral aerial imagery processing along the coastal of Makassar City, South Sulawesi, within the Lantebung mangrove ecosystem. Field surveys were conducted to determine the species composition of each mangrove stand and measure their diameter at breast height. The allometric formula was then used to calculate mangrove biomass, which was subsequently converted into carbon stock values. Aerial imagery was processed using the normalized difference vegetation index, followed by a regression analysis between normalized difference vegetation index and carbon stock values to obtain a carbon stock estimation model.FINDINGS: The results of the analysis of red-green-blue aerial imagery from the multispectral unmanned aerial vehicle has provided valuable insights into the extent of mangrove vegetation cover in the Lantebung mangrove forest area, revealing it to be 14.18 hectares. The normalized difference vegetation index results indicated that mangrove objects fall within a value range of 0.21–1, categorized into three density classes: high-, medium-, and low-density mangroves. The field surveys confirmed the presence of three types of mangroves in Lantebung Makassar, namely Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, and Avicennia sp. The regression analysis conducted to assess the relationship between the normalized difference vegetation index value and carbon stocks yielded the equation model carbon stock = 474.61, vegetation Index value + 17.238, with a linear regression value of 0.7945. The carbon stock values for low-density class mangrove areas were predicted to range between 17.24 and 288.64 tons carbon per hectare, medium-density mangroves' carbon stocks to be between 126.04 and 391.14 tons carbon per hectare, and high-density mangrove areas' carbon stocks to range from 258.04 to 491.85 tons carbon per hectare.CONCLUSION: The utilization of drones as a technique for monitoring carbon stocks has offered significant benefits. Drones equipped with multispectral sensors enable the collection of precise and comprehensive data on vegetation and elevation in many ecological systems. The survey and subsequent analysis highlighted the wide variation in the density of mangrove forests in the Lantebung mangrove ecosystem. This study demonstrated a strong correlation between the normalized difference vegetation index extracted using unmanned aerial vehicle and mangrove carbon levels obtained from actual field measurements.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Science
I. Marzuki; I. Pratama; R. Asaf; A. Athirah; K. Nisaa; N. Nurbaya; M. Muslimin; N. Nurhidayah; S. Suwardi; A. Sahrijanna; K. Kamaruddin
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The quality and production volume of the cultivation of tiger prawn Penaeus monodon have decreased considerably in the last two decades. However, intensification and extensification efforts, including the application of cultivation technology through pond land recovery, have ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The quality and production volume of the cultivation of tiger prawn Penaeus monodon have decreased considerably in the last two decades. However, intensification and extensification efforts, including the application of cultivation technology through pond land recovery, have not produced expected results. Visible symptoms suggest potential issues with the cultivation water possibly originating from exposure to heavy metal pollutants. Therefore, this study aimed to remove heavy metal pollutants by using sponge symbiont bacteria bioremediators to increase the survival rate and quality of tiger prawn production. The achievements of this research are expected to contribute to the scientific development of environmental microbiology, bioremediation, and aquaculture pollution control.METHODS: The study utilized Bacillus pumilus and Pseudomonas stutzeri bacteria. The water used for tiger prawn post-larvae cultivation was treated with these bioremediator bacteria. The water had copper and lead ion concentrations that were 20 times greater than the maximum threshold value. The physical and chemical characteristics and parameters, such as dissolved organic matter, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia contents, of the cultivation water were monitored over a 30-day period. The specific growth rate in terms of weight and body length and the survival rate of the tiger shrimps were measured to evaluate the effect of the bioremediation process on the prawns. The concentrations of copper and lead ions in the cultivation water and within the body of the tiger shrimps were analyzed. The health of the tiger prawns was evaluated by observing signs of tissue damage.FINDINGS: Among all the treatments, Treatment I with copper ion exposure had the highest average specific growth rate of the tiger prawns in terms of weight and body length, followed by Treatment II with lead ion exposure and Treatment III with a combination of both pollutants (the lowest). The intersection of copper and lead ion concentrations in the tiger prawns and cultivation media occurred in the cultivation period of 15–20 days. The use of Bacillus pumilus and Pseudomonas stutzeri bacteria as bioremediators effectively remediated the copper and lead pollutants at an average of 99.34 percent and 97.18 percent of the initial concentration, respectively. Despite the bioremediation efforts, the tiger shrimps exhibited symptoms of tissue damage in the head, tail, and shell. These symptoms included necrosis, myopathy, and infiltration, which are indicative of decreased cell function due to the presence of toxic agents.CONCLUSION: Bioremediation with Bacillus pumilus and Pseudomonas stutzeri bacteria helped reduce the accumulation of heavy metal pollutants. However, negative effects on the health and growth of tiger prawns were still observed when the prawns were exposed to copper and lead ion concentrations below the allowed threshold value.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Management
T. Ukasha; N.U.H. Faisal; B.K. Adji; A.P. Nugroho
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Streams that pass through densely populated areas and business and industrial centers are continuously threatened by various pollutants, including metals and microplastics, originating from dispersed sources. Biomonitoring is necessary to evaluate the health of stream ecosystems, ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Streams that pass through densely populated areas and business and industrial centers are continuously threatened by various pollutants, including metals and microplastics, originating from dispersed sources. Biomonitoring is necessary to evaluate the health of stream ecosystems, considering that streams are essential ecologically and for human life. A biomonitoring approach through multimarkers can provide a comprehensive picture of the condition of stream ecosystems. It can identify biomarkers that are sensitive and specific to the presence of certain types of pollutants. This study evaluates the ecosystem health of Code Stream, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, through active biomonitoring by transplanting mussels Anodonta woodiana into cages at three stations, representing mild (station 1), moderate (station 3), and severe (station 2) polluted ecosystem conditions based on human activities around the stream.METHODS: The mussels were transplanted into the Code Stream. Then, on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28, the organisms were taken, and their gills and mantle were dissected in the laboratory. The organs were analyzed for microplastic accumulation and characteristics, copper concentration, superoxide dismutase, catalase, acetylcholinesterase activities, metallothionein concentration, and deoxyribonucleic acid damage. Biomarkers sensitive to pollutants were evaluated by integrated biomarker response. The combined effects of the complexity of environmental factors on the biomarkers were analyzed by multiple-factor analysis.FINDINGS: The Code Stream waters at all stations were polluted with microplastics and copper. The increase in the two pollutants in the mussel organs was a function of time, with no differences among stations. The abundance of microplastics and copper concentrations in the water was closely related to their accumulation in both organs. Exposure to various contaminants in the stream strongly increased the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in both organs at the beginning of exposure in all stations, with the highest being at station 3. The acetylcholinesterase activity was strongly inhibited in the gills at station 2. The metallothionein concentration slightly increased, and the highest increase occurred in the gills at station 2. The deoxyribonucleic acid damage was more intense at stations 2 and 3. Integrated biomarker response analysis showed that deoxyribonucleic acid damage, catalase activity, and metallothionein concentration were biomarkers responsive to stream pollution. Multiple-factor analysis revealed that superoxide dismutase, catalase, and acetylcholinesterase activities were biomarkers that indicated the environmental pollution of Code Stream waters. Multimarker analysis confirmed that the pollution level at stations 2 and 3 was higher than at station 1.CONCLUSION: Active biomonitoring can offer a more accurate and comprehensive view of the time-dependent link between exposure and biomarker response. This active biomonitoring strategy identified sensitive and specific biomarkers for the presence of metal and pesticide contaminants in stream ecosystems. The pollution of Code Stream waters harms oxidatively stressed mussels and may endanger human health via the food chain. This work contributes substantially to understanding pollution exposure and its effect on mussels. It develops pollution-sensitive biomarkers for routine stream health monitoring. Mitigation activities involving diverse stakeholders and public education on sustainable management efforts must continue to achieve sustainable development.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Engineering
C. Tudsanaton; T. Pattamapitoon; O. Phewnil; W. Wararam; K. Chunkao; P. Maskulrath; M. Srichomphu
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Community domestic wastewater contains organic substances that can be decomposed through natural processes. Treatment using oxidation pond systems is popular in tropical zones because these locations provide a climate suitable for the growth and organic decomposition activities ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Community domestic wastewater contains organic substances that can be decomposed through natural processes. Treatment using oxidation pond systems is popular in tropical zones because these locations provide a climate suitable for the growth and organic decomposition activities of various bacteria that remove organic contaminants from wastewater. Given that bacteria play an important role in the biodegradation of organic substances in wastewater treatment plants, their degradation activity is used as an indicator of water quality. The purpose of this study is to examine the vertical variability of bacteria in natural treatment oxidation ponds in tropical zones.METHODS: Wastewater samples were collected from an oxidation pond at 3 different depths (0–0.6, 0.6–1.5 and more than 1.5 meter), and their chemical, physical and biological qualities were analysed. Next-generation sequencing techniques were used to identify bacterial diversity, and the water quality at each depth was applied as an indicator of bacterial degradation activities.FINDINGS: Community domestic wastewater contained 10 major bacterial phyla that differed at different depths. Amongst these phyla, the Actinobacteriota dominated (25.35 to 28.23 percent), followed by Cyanobacteria (19.49 to 21.57percent), Planctomycetota (15.50 to 17.41 percent), Firmicutes (9.97 to 10.79 percent), Proteobacteria (9.73 to 10.79 percent), Verrucomicrobiota (6.47 to 7.69 percent), Chloroflexi (2.79 to 2.99 percent), Bacteriota (0.96 to 1.41 percent), Acidobacteriota (0.70 to 0.80 percent) and SAR324 clade (marine group B) (0.69 to 0.61 percent). Four organic substances were found in contaminated domestic wastewater. 1) Photosynthetic cyanobacteria and phytoplankton performed aerobic degradation and accounted for the dissolved oxygen levels of 7.76, 7.45 and 7.42 milligrams per liter, respectively at various depths along the vertical profile. 2) Bacteria and archaeans that participate in carbon compound treatment included Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroidota and Euryarcheota. These bacteria exhibited a treatment efficiency for biochemical oxygen demand and low abundance at all depths. Biological oxygen demand increased to 23.11, 24.27 and 34.48 milligrams per liter with depth. 3) Nitrogen-cycling bacteria included nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria. They belonged to the Actinobacteriota, Planctomycetota, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobiota, Chloroflexi, Bacteriota, Protrobacteria and Acidobacteriota phyla. They exhibited an ammonia-nitrogen treatment efficiency of 91.73 percent. 4) Phosphorus cycling–related bacteria in the Actinobacteriota phylum presented the orthophosphorus treatment efficiency of 65.41 percent.CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that bacterial communities did not significantly differ along oxidation depth because they work together with chemotrophs, which participate in organic substance decomposition, and phototrophs, which are involved in oxygen generation and nutrient removal. All of the bacteria found in domestic wastewater benefit and support oxidation pond systems in tropical zones. Anaerobic bacteria can be found in wastewater and used in treatment systems due to their protective mechanisms against oxygen toxicity and self-repair mechanisms. The knowledge gained from this study can be used as a reference in future works on natural wastewater treatment systems.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Science
R. Mitaphonna; N. Idris; M. Ramli; N. Ismail; K. Kurihara; K. Lahna
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami left a profound mark, triggering significant contamination of organic and inorganic chemical components in the water and soil of affected regions. The effects of the tragedy, which occurred almost twenty years ago, are still evident ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami left a profound mark, triggering significant contamination of organic and inorganic chemical components in the water and soil of affected regions. The effects of the tragedy, which occurred almost twenty years ago, are still evident in the soil as salt and metal pollutants continue to linger. It is crucial to conduct a chemical analysis of the soil samples obtained from the regions affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. This not only aids in identifying areas hit by the catastrophe but also facilitates periodic monitoring of chemical contamination levels. This study aims to promptly detect and measure chemical indicators in soil samples collected from areas in Aceh Province that were impacted by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.METHODS: Three regions in Aceh Province, specifically Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar, and Aceh Barat, were selected for the collection of soil samples following severe impact from a tsunami. Soil samples were obtained from regions unaffected by the tsunami, including Tungkob, Blang Bintang, and Pango Deah. Plasma was produced by concentrating a pulsed carbon dioxide laser beam on the surface samples. An optical multichannel analyzer captures plasma emissions with a spectrograph and photodiode array. Data is stored for processing with SpectraView software and compared with the National Institute of Standards and Technology database for identification.FINDINGS: The utilization of a pulsed carbon dioxide laser for analysis revealed its superior ability to identify a wider array of elements with high intensity-to-background ratios, particularly excelling in the detection of zinc, chromium, copper, cobalt, and nickel compared to the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser. Chemical quantification through calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy closely correlated with x-ray fluorescence but surpassed x-ray fluorescence in rapid detection and identification of lighter elements. The concentrations of salt components and particular heavy metals in soil that was impacted by a tsunami exhibited a more than tenfold increase in comparison to soil that was not affected and was collected in 2006. Sodium surged from 0.02 percent to 4.18 - 4.95 percent, while calcium increased from 0.46 percent to 11.26 - 13.53 percent. Potassium concentration rose from 0.11 percent to 5.50 - 6.96 percent, alongside magnesium, which increased from 0.36 percent to 7.62 - 8.67 percent.CONCLUSION: The utilization of a pulsed carbon dioxide laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy has demonstrated remarkable proficiency in the identification of a diverse range of elements. This technique has surpassed conventional methods like neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and x-ray fluorescence in terms of its detection capabilities. This study underscores the potential of a pulsed carbon dioxide laser as a versatile and reliable method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of soils from 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami-affected regions in Aceh Province, emphasizing its significance for environmental monitoring in disaster-affected areas.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Science
P. Kumar; D. Deka; A. Yadav; Ashwani .; M. Kumar; J.P. Das; A. Singh; A. Gurjar
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Evapotranspiration is an important component of water balance associated with the hydrological cycle and biological processes. Accurately estimating the rate of evapotranspiration is crucial for understanding fluctuations in water availability and effectively managing water ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Evapotranspiration is an important component of water balance associated with the hydrological cycle and biological processes. Accurately estimating the rate of evapotranspiration is crucial for understanding fluctuations in water availability and effectively managing water resources in a sustainable manner. The study aims to examine the correlation between actual evapotranspiration and potential evapotranspiration by assessing the linkages with vegetation and snow cover in an ecologically fragile located in the northwestern Himalaya.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study uses remote sensing Landsat satellite data series to map vegetation cover and snow cover in the area. Remote sensing data accessed from Moderate Resolution Imaging Radiometer evapotranspiration project data was used for calculating evapotranspiration and potential evaporation. The data from the Climatic Research Unit (2000–2022) was additionally utilized for the computation of potential evapotranspiration. The study investigates variances in evapotranspiration and explores correlations between normalized difference vegetation index and normalized difference snow index. It further examines the correlation between potential evapotranspiration and actual evapotranspiration.FINDINGS: The study conducted from 1991 to 2021 demonstrates a notable rise in vegetation cover by 20.18 percent, showcasing spatial variations across the region. Conversely, there has been a significant decline in the extent of snow cover throughout this period. A positive correlation was identified between vegetation cover and evapotranspiration, whereas a negative correlation was observed between snow cover and evapotranspiration. Actual evapotranspiration is on the rise while potential evapotranspiration is declining throughout the region.CONCLUSION: Hydrological cycle of a region is governed by many factors such as climate (precipitation, temperature), geohydrology, land use and land cover, socio-economic condition of habitants and institutions. Vegetation cover, snow cover, actual evapotranspiration and potential evapotranspiration and their relationship indicates changes in local and regional climate. An incremental rise in plant growth across the study site, coupled with spatial variability and a reduction in snow cover in the elevated mountainous zone, is influencing both actual evapotranspiration and potential evapotranspiration. Increase in actual evapotranspiration in the High Himalayan area of Himachal Pradesh attribute to substantial increase in vegetation cover in the dry cold desert region. The findings of the study will contribute to the comprehension of essential elements of water cycles and water budgets, facilitating improved resource allocation for climate-resilient sustainable initiatives.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Management
D. Juhandi; D.H. Darwanto; M. Masyhuri; J.H. Mulyo; N.A. Sasongko; H.L. Susilawati; A. Meilin; T. Martini
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Food estate initiative is an Indonesian government program designed to achieve food security though the cultivation of strategic commodities on large-scale agricultural land. Despite being controversial due to the scale of land use and budgetary requirements, the viability ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Food estate initiative is an Indonesian government program designed to achieve food security though the cultivation of strategic commodities on large-scale agricultural land. Despite being controversial due to the scale of land use and budgetary requirements, the viability of the program has been questioned by critics pointing to the failure of a similar initiative in the past. In other words, there is widespread pessimism regarding sustainability of food estate program. Therefore, this study presents a new approach to farming sustainability investigation, assessing seven aspects including economy, society, environment, institutions, technology, market, and culture. The objective was to compare the value and status of sustainability as well as design land use planning strategies.METHODS: Respondents of the questionnaire were 50 food estate farmers, selected from Pollung sub-district, as well as 50 non-food estate farmers from Dolok Sanggul and Lintong Nihuta Sub-districts. Multiaspect Sustainability Analysis software was used to conduct data analysis with Multidimensional Scaling approach. Primary data was collected through interviews using questionnaires and seven aspects analyzed include economic, social, environmental, institutional, technological, marketing, and cultural, with several factors. In addition, a total of 45 indicators were used to compare sustainability of farms, including 7 economics, 6 social, 9 environmental, 5 institutional, 7 technological, 5 marketing, and 6 cultural.FINDINGS: The results showed that in Food Eestate farming, sustainability value for economic aspects was 47.57, social 50, environmental 72.22, institutional 50, technological 50, market 53.4, and cultural 33.33. On the other hand, sustainability value of non-Food Eestate farming estate was 33.29 for economic, 47.17 for social, 77.78 for environmental, 56.6 for institutional, 42.86 for technological, 36.6 for market, and 41.67 for cultural aspects. The overall sustainability value of Food Eestate farming was 50.93, which was slightly higher than non-food estate score of 48. Improving all aspects in the third scenario is the most favorable approach for improving farming sustainability. Based on the results, 12 sustainability indicators were found to be relevant for designing land use planning strategies. These indicators had different implications for stakeholders in improving sustainability.CONCLUSION: Sustainability value of food estate farming exceeded that of non-Food Eestate but both were in the moderate category. Higher sustainability scores were recorded in economic, social, technological, and marketing aspects for Food Eestate farming, while higher scores were found in environmental, organizational, and cultural aspects for non-food estate . This study recommended implementing land use strategies such as multiple cropping for Food Eestate farming, and crop rotation for non-food estate. To implement the strategy for Food Eesrare farming, the government needed to increase fertilizer subsidies, provide agricultural insurance, relevant technology, extension services on land leases, agricultural sustainability, and water management. For non-food estate farming, the recommendations included providing capital loans, extension services on land tenure, agricultural sustainability, land conversion, inorganic fertilizer dosage, and weed management.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Management
Allaily .; A.D. Santoso; M.N. Rofiq; N.A. Sasongko; H. Daulay; E.I. Wiloso; E. Widjaja; B.N. Utomo; A.I. Yanuar; S. Suryani; Y.P. Erlambang; U.N. Thiyas; D. Iskandar; A. Anhar; M. Rahmawati; T. Simamora; Y. Yusriani; G. Maghfirah; M. Ammar
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sago plant is a valuable source of raw material for the processing industry and every part is very useful for food and shelter. Moreover, by-products of the Sago processing industry are useful as animal feed and liquid waste which has not been widely used. There are limited ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sago plant is a valuable source of raw material for the processing industry and every part is very useful for food and shelter. Moreover, by-products of the Sago processing industry are useful as animal feed and liquid waste which has not been widely used. There are limited studies on the use of Sago by-products and sustainability of Sago palm smallholder industry. Therefore, this study aimed to assess sustainability of Sago palm smallholder industry in Simeulue Regency and identify the values of each attribute in the four impacting dimensions.METHODS: This study was carried out through the direct interview method, using a questionnaire containing 35 attributes related to 4 dimensions, namely 8 attributes of economy, 12 environmental, 10 social, and 5 technological. The data were obtained from 5 entrepreneurs of Sago palm smallholder industry in Simeulue Regency, out of a total of 7 active Sago processing factories. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using Multidimensional Scaling method with rapid appraisal software. Sustainability status and leverage attributes were analyzed by Monte Carlo analysis and alternating least-squares algorithm.FINDINGS: The results showed that the general sustainability indicators in Sago palm smallholder industry had an average value of 46.03 percent. This assessment was based on the value for the economic dimension of 45.56 percent, environmental dimension of 27.89 percent, social dimension of 55.65 percent, and technological dimension of 55.03 percent. Furthermore, it was found that techniques in several processing stages or use of liquid waste, cultivation skills, and technology process contributed to sustainable development. This study provided information that production factors needed to be improved for sustainability of Sago palm smallholder industry in terms of economy and environment. However, the use of solid and liquid wastes had not been optimally used.CONCLUSION: In the economic dimension, an improvement in production factors such as the cultivation of Sago plant is important because it only relies on plant that live naturally. Furthermore, it is important to increase the use of Sago pulp as animal feed to improve the substitution of commercial rations usage, and facilitate sustainability value of the economic dimension. Meanwhile, in the environmental dimension, there should be study and socialization on the processing or use of liquid waste. This can help in addressing air and water pollution. In the social and technological dimensions, Sago farmers need to be equipped with cultivation skills to increase the value of this dimension. In conclusion, Sago palm smallholder industry in Simeulue Regency needs to be facilitated from upstream to downstream and sustain plant cultivation, and process Sago commodities using technology while suppressing negative effects on the environment.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
Environmental Engineering
S. Sinworn; N. Viriyawattana
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The fishery workers are affected by the noise produced by motorboats, which is caused by long-term (more than 7 hours per day), exposure to high frequencies and hazardous noise levels. The detrimental impact of the loud noise emitted by small boat engines affects the hearing ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The fishery workers are affected by the noise produced by motorboats, which is caused by long-term (more than 7 hours per day), exposure to high frequencies and hazardous noise levels. The detrimental impact of the loud noise emitted by small boat engines affects the hearing abilities of fishermen in Thailand has been well-documented. In light of this, the primary aim of the present study was to assess the potential hazards associated with noise exposure and develop an effective silencer that can effectively mitigate the noise generated by fishing boats. The study was conducted in Songkhla Lake, located in Thailand, providing a suitable setting for the current study.METHODS: During an 8-hour work period, 300 sample fishers were monitored using sound-level and noise-dose meters. Their response to noise was evaluated through an audiometry test and a questionnaire. Furthermore, a silencer was engineered to decrease the noise emissions from boat engines. Utilizing the solid work technique, the exhaust silencer was designed based on a model of the internal exhaust pressure. The sound level at the end of the exhaust silencer pipe was determined by employing a sound meter and recording it at a speed of 4,000 revolutions per minute. The designed silencer was installed on the exhaust pipe of the boat engine to align with the current operation of the engine. The objective was to measure the variation in noise levels before and after the installation of the silencer. The sound level meter of type I, equipped with a weighted circuit incorporating an A network (weight A), closely resembles the auditory response of the human ear to sound. Prior to assessing the noise produced by the engine, it was ensured that the engine had been running for a minimum of 5 minutes. The sound level of the small boat's engine was then measured using a type I sound-level meter positioned at a 45-degree angle behind the engine, and at a distance of 0.5 meter.FINDINGS: The results indicated that evaluating the risks associated with being exposed to high levels of noise from boat engines had an impact on the auditory capacity of fishermen. The right ear was more severely damaged than the left at frequencies of 6,000 (23 people) and 8,000 (20 people) Hertz at sound levels of 85 decibels A and above. This data is valuable for the development of a silencer aimed at mitigating sound pressure levels that impact the loudness of sound across different frequency levels, considering a boat engine's maximum acceleration of 4,000 revolutions per minute through the application of solid design principles. Subsequently, the silencer will be tested on Thai fishermen who are regularly exposed to noise, demonstrating a reduction in engine noise of over 23 decibels A within the frequency range of 100 to 10,000 Hertz.CONCLUSION: The auditory abilities of fishermen are adversely impacted by the intensity and high pitch of the noise emitted by small boat engines. The solid design technique is employed to create a silencer for a boat engine with a maximum acceleration of 4000 revolutions per minute, operating at frequency levels of 2000, 3,000, 4,000, 6,000, and 8,000 Hertz. Exposure to loud noise can pose a significant risk to the hearing health of fishermen. However, their safety can be ensured by implementing effective measures to reduce the loudness by more than 23-42 decibel A. By employing such work practices, the noise levels experienced by fishermen can be kept below the hazardous threshold of > 85 decibels A.
CASE STUDY
Environmental Management
N. Andriyani; P. Suprobo; T.J.W. Adi; W.A.N. Aspar; A.D. Jatmiko; A.D. Santoso
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The conventional disposal of demolition waste in landfills poses significant ecological harm. Integrating principles of the circular economy can help alleviate this impact by encouraging the reuse, recycling, and recovery of materials. This study presents a groundbreaking approach ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The conventional disposal of demolition waste in landfills poses significant ecological harm. Integrating principles of the circular economy can help alleviate this impact by encouraging the reuse, recycling, and recovery of materials. This study presents a groundbreaking approach to demolition that aims to tackle the growing waste problem and bridge the existing regulatory loopholes. The framework leverages Building Information Modeling for Just-In-Time delivery and circular economy practices to prioritize environmentally friendly, efficient, and sustainable operations. The framework aims to transform demolition practices, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainability within the construction sector by incorporating these principles.METHODS: The study outlines a plan for demolishing high-rise buildings by incorporating Building Information Modeling, Just-In-Time delivery, and the circular economy in a specific case analysis. Autodesk Revit streamlines waste estimation and inventory of reusable, repairable, refurbished, and recyclable waste, thereby optimizing waste management planning with improved effectiveness and efficiency. Navisworks visualizes the demolition process in a reverse four-dimensional model. Microsoft Project ensures on-time delivery, while a Sankey diagram visually represents the concept of a circular economy.FINDINGS: Building information modeling, just-in-time delivery, and circular economy principles maximize demolition planning for efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability. The green demolition framework serves as a valuable project management tool that enhances planning and resource allocation efficiency, all the while reducing environmental impact through the implementation of selective demolition and enhanced waste management practices.The process completed the demolition of a 6-story building in 88 days, producing 160 cubic meters of reusable waste, eight cubic meters of repairable and refurbishable waste, and 3,972 cubic meters of recyclable wasteThe waste collection for the circular economy is efficiently carried out within a timeframe of 1-2 days, thanks to the implementation of the Just-In-Time delivery schedule.CONCLUSION: This study delves into advancements in waste management and strategic demolition scheduling. The government should consider the green demolition framework when refining regulations to include Information Communication Technologies and circular economy concepts. Future studies have the potential to improve the green demolition framework by prioritizing environmentally conscious strategies and ensuring effective coordination among all stakeholders involved to achieve the best possible outcomes in demolition projects.
CASE STUDY
Environmental Science
E. Sumarga; D. Rosleine; G.B. Hutajulu; R.P. Plaurint; Tsabita .; M. Basyuni; S.H. Larekeng; M.F. Taqiyudin; N.N. Shohihah; H. Ali
Abstract
BACKROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mangrove silvofishery, a unique system that combine aquaculture with mangrove forests, presents a promising sustainable solution for Indonesia's coastal communities. However, in order to achieve broad implementation, it is essential to bridge the existing knowledge gap concerning ...
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BACKROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mangrove silvofishery, a unique system that combine aquaculture with mangrove forests, presents a promising sustainable solution for Indonesia's coastal communities. However, in order to achieve broad implementation, it is essential to bridge the existing knowledge gap concerning the economic and environmental benefits associated with it. The aim of this study was to assess the four primary services rendered by the Blanakan mangrove silvofishery area in Subang District, West Java: carbon sequestration, fisheries productivity, nature-based tourism, and bird sanctuary.METHODS: Carbon storage was calculated by conducting vegetation surveys and utilizing allometric equations, which took into account both aboveground and belowground biomass. During the vegetation survey, data regarding the types of mangrove plants and the diameter of each tree at breast height was gathered. To quantify fisheries production, interviews were conducted with area managers and pond farmers who are engaged in silvofishery practices within the region. The point-count method was used to inventory the diversity of bird species. The analysis of natural tourism services encompassed an examination of visitor statistics, the state of the mangroves as a popular tourist destination, and the range of tourist activities available.FINDINGS: The study revealed the high capacity of the mangrove stands at the study location for carbon storage, with an estimated 137.9 tonnes carbon per hectare aboveground and 79 tonnes carbon per hectare belowground. Local communities actively engage in silvofishery practices within the Blanakan mangroves, cultivating fish and shrimp, with an average annual income of around 1,513 United States dollar per hectare. 2. The natural beauty of the Blanakan mangrove area attracts tourists with its diverse ecosystem and opportunities to see crocodile breeding facilities. Visitor numbers vary, averaging around 128 people per month until mid-2023. The Blanakan mangroves are home to a total of 23 bird species, contributing to a species diversity index of 2.1. Two species with significant conservation value were found: the critically endangered Javan Blue-banded Kingfisher (Alcedo euryzona) and the vulnerable Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata).CONCLUSION: The results emphasize the importance of advancing and advocating for silvofishery as a primary alternative in Indonesia's mangrove conservation and rehabilitation initiatives, enhancing coastal environmental management. Community engagement is of utmost importance in the successful development of mangrove silvofishery, as it aims to tackle the issue of limited awareness and participation among the local community.
CASE STUDY
Environmental Management
O. Arabiyat; J.T. Al-Bakri; F. Kölsch; S. Al-Omari; H. Aladwan
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Municipal solid waste emerges as a pressing concern for environmental management and sustainability, particularly in urban areas with high rates of population growth and limited infrastructure. This study aims to assess the outputs and benefits of a separate source collection ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Municipal solid waste emerges as a pressing concern for environmental management and sustainability, particularly in urban areas with high rates of population growth and limited infrastructure. This study aims to assess the outputs and benefits of a separate source collection system, which separates recyclable materials at their point of origin. The study highlights the consequences of separate source collection on the community''s economic, environmental and social context. The study forms part of a project that intends to upscale sustainable and efficient waste management approaches in a transition towards a circular economy model that utilizes and recycles waste and materials. The objectives encompass addressing urban challenges and providing key insights for environmental management and sustainability through separate source collection systems that improve efficiency, reduce cost and encourage sustainable community practices.METHODS: The study was implemented in the Al-Radwan neighborhood in Amman, Jordan, and included 8,460 individuals and 3,124 households. Data on waste generation from residential and commercial activities were analyzed and used to design the separate source collection system, which included public awareness campaigns for individuals in the study area, waste composition investigations and maps for routes of waste collection trucks. Yellow and grey bins were used to collect recyclable and residual waste, respectively. Data on waste amount and composition were collected and interpreted for the 2020-2023 period. Data on fuel consumption, maintenance and depreciation were used to calculate the operational costs of separate source collection and the old system of municipal solid waste collection. Ground data were analyzed in terms of the individual''s and households'' adoption of waste-sorting practices. An overall assessment was carried out for the economic benefit of separate source collection.FINDINGS: Analyses of waste generation in the study area showed that the average quantity of municipal waste was 0.89 kilogram per capita per day, and there is a trend that shows an increase in municipal solid waste quantities with respect to time. A significant amount of municipal solid waste (60 percent) has an organic composition, while recyclable waste constitutes about 12.5 percent of the total municipal solid waste. The study was a success, with a consistent increase in recyclable waste collection at 59 percent average purity and a 30 percent decrease in total yearly waste collection costs. The project contributed to job creation and improved community participation in municipal solid waste management. The beneficial impacts of awareness campaigns were the low level of required maintenance with respect to the separate source collection system and the high level of public participation and cooperation, particularly in municipal solid waste sorting.CONCLUSION: The study highlighted the importance and effectiveness of the innovative separate source collection system and showed its economic and social benefits while considering its positive environmental impacts. The findings confirmed the system''s economic viability and applicability, showing its potential for large-scale adoption in Jordan. The adoption and implementation of separate source collection will be highly emphasized as it will be needed for solving issues associated with municipal solid waste via creative solutions that promote sustainability and community well-being.
CASE STUDY
Environmental Engineering
M.D. Teweldebrihan; M.O. Dinka
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: River basin ecology changes frequently when water resources are developed more. In order to meet human needs, the influence of climate change on river flow and hydrological structures should be understood. Population growth, corresponding economic expansion, and irrigation-related ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: River basin ecology changes frequently when water resources are developed more. In order to meet human needs, the influence of climate change on river flow and hydrological structures should be understood. Population growth, corresponding economic expansion, and irrigation-related factors for food production all contribute to rising water demand. Consequently, the water availability becomes a scarce resource, when the water demand exceeds the supply. Hence, the understanding the interaction between water, ecosystem and society is a key factor in sustainable water resource development, management and utilization.METHODS: This study evaluates the effects of climate change on the water resource development of the Dhidhessa River Basin. The degree of hydrologic modification was estimated using the Indicator of Hydrologic modification programs. Based on the analysis, the study looked into how variations in rainfall and temperature might affect the river’s flow and Dhidhessa basin. Stakeholder analysis was used to identify seven types of stakeholders who expressed interest in the Dhidhessa sub basin.FINDING: The results indicate that the basin experienced a decrease in water level and river flow as a result of climate change. This drop-in water level and river flow can be attributed to the anticipated change in climate caused by variations in rainfall. The Dhidhessa River Basin, located near the Dembi gauge station, was particularly vulnerable to these changes in flow. Interestingly, the degree of flow alteration was found to be relatively low throughout most of the months. In terms of stakeholder distribution, municipal and community governments accounted for 17.3 percent and 25.4 percent, respectively. Additionally, organizations with investors, ministries, and certain government agencies represented 37.4 percent of the articles, while foreign actors and religious organizations accounted for 19.9 percent.CONCLUSION: The research findings indicate that the water balance in the Dhidhessa basin may be affected by climate change in the coming century. Thus, the variation in rainfall and temperature might affect the river flow. However, it is impossible to determine this change's direction definitively until the model results are assessed under various scenarios. Therefore, the virtual future of socio-hydrologic assessment and better integration of stakeholders is needed to understand the dynamics in the basin for sustainable water resource development and management.
CASE STUDY
Environmental Management
E.K. Purwendah; N.A. Sasongko; H. Susanto; R. Mawardi; T. Cahyono; H.L. Susilawati; T. Wahyuni; D. Juhandi; T. Rahman; A. Gustina; I.D.S. Triana; E. Pudyastiwi; O. Kusumaningsih; T. Martini
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The limited role of law enforcement agencies in the vast area provides opportunities for local community to contribute to mangrove ecosystem protection. This study emphasizes the importance of sustainable legal adherence by mangrove farmer groups in protecting the ecosystem ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The limited role of law enforcement agencies in the vast area provides opportunities for local community to contribute to mangrove ecosystem protection. This study emphasizes the importance of sustainable legal adherence by mangrove farmer groups in protecting the ecosystem through self-defence or community policing. It is essential for farmer groups to work together with legal institutions in order to defend the mangrove ecosystem from potential harm. This study seeks to resolve legal uncertainties related to the regulation of natural resources. Legal protection is crucial to ensure sustainability of mangrove ecosystem.METHODS: This study used multi-aspect sustainability analysis and normative-empirical legal methods. Primary data were collected by administering questionnaires and engaging in discussions with the Krida Wana Lestari Farmer Group community in Ujung Alang, Cilacap, Central Java. The data obtained from questionnare was assessed for its sustainability through the application of Multi-Aspect Sustainability Analysis. The analysis of sustainability value, which significantly impacts legal compliance in the future, was conducted using secondary data in the form of legal materials. This enabled the identification of priority areas for improvement.FINDINGS: Legal ambiguities in the protection and supervision of mangrove ecosystem require the participation of the Krida Wana Lestari Farmer Group community. Mangrove management involves the planting of seedlings and their subsequent utilization. Ecosystem protection is ensured through monitoring efforts within the Segara Anakan mangrove area, as well as through informal sanctions imposed by the local community in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Agency and the Village Trustee Non-Commissioned Officer.CONCLUSION: The limited role of law enforcement agencies provides opportunities for community to contribute to the protection. The role in conducting Jagawana Swakarsa (Community-based self-funded Forest Rangers) or community policing is crucial for sustainable mangrove ecosystem management. The engagement of farmer groups exemplifies the application of indigenous wisdom in preserving the environment, which is presently not regulated by the prevailing legal framework. The mangrove ecosystem provides farmers with economic benefits that contribute to their livelihoods. Not only do farmers have a strong social connection to the mangroves as their place of residence, but they also hold a political stake in ensuring the survival of these valuable ecosystems. Benefits, management, and monitoring aspects scored 100, 94.5, and 100, respectively. Sanctions aspect is sustainable with a score of 65 because forest guards and the authorities enforce forest destruction laws. Through their collaboration with the forestry police, they initiated community-driven endeavors. This united community plays a crucial role in enabling law enforcement to independently safeguard mangroves. The organizational significance lies in prioritizing regional law enforcement and fostering inclusive and comprehensive communication with the community.
CASE STUDY
Environmental Science
M. Basyuni; R. Syahbana; A.B. Rangkuti; N.A. Pradisty; A. Susilowati; L.A.M. Siregar; S.S. Al Mustaniroh; A.A. Aznawi; A. Mubaraq; E.R. Ardli; S.H. Larekeng; V. Leopardas; Y. Isowa; T. Kajita
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mangrove forests in North Sumatra and Aceh are concentrated on the east coast of Sumatra Island. Mangrove habitats are highly productive, diversified, and ecologically and commercially significant ecosystems. However, they are vulnerable to both anthropogenic and natural hazards. ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mangrove forests in North Sumatra and Aceh are concentrated on the east coast of Sumatra Island. Mangrove habitats are highly productive, diversified, and ecologically and commercially significant ecosystems. However, they are vulnerable to both anthropogenic and natural hazards. The identification of coastal ecosystem species, such as mangrove and coastal forests, is very important in conserving and using the biodiversity of coastal ecosystems, which appears to be hindered by a lack of taxonomic and molecular expertise. This study aimed to address the lack of reference deoxyribonucleic acid barcodes from mangroves in North Sumatra and Aceh and assess the effectiveness of four deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding methods in terms of primer universality, successful identification rate, barcoding gap and species-tree inference, and then phylogenetic tree construction. METHODS: This study focused on selecting the main regions where mangroves are predominantly distributed in the provinces of North Sumatra and Aceh: Percut Sei Tuan and Deli Serdang mangrove areas, Pulau Sembilan and Lubuk Kertang of Langkat mangrove areas in North Sumatra, and Langsa mangrove areas in Aceh. The genomic deoxyribonucleic acid of mangrove plants was isolated from fresh leaf material using the Geneaid genomic deoxyribonucleic acid mini kit. Based on the guidance provided by the International Union for Biological Barcoding with four molecular sequences, deoxyribonucleic acid barcodes were chosen for amplification: chloroplast ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, maturase-K, transfer ribonucleic acid for histidine–photosystem II reaction center protein A, and nuclear genome internal transcribed spacer. The Tamura 3-parameter + Gamma method in molecular evolutionary genetics analysis X software was used to measure and describe the genetic distances between different species and within the same species. The construction of phylogenetic trees was carried out using the molecular evolutionary genetics analysis X from ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, transfer ribonucleic acid for histidine–photosystem II reaction center protein A, Internal transcribed spacer, and maturase-K barcodes based on the bootstrap analysis conducted using 100 permutations.FINDINGS: This study showed that the primers ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, transfer ribonucleic acid for histidine–photosystem II reaction center protein A, internal transcribed spacer, and maturase-K had the highest success rates during amplification, which could be strong barcodes for enhancing taxonomic clarification and gaining insights into phylogenetic relationships. The primers ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, transfer ribonucleic acid for histidine–photosystem II reaction center protein A, internal transcribed spacer, and maturase-K had the highest success rates during amplification. The success rate for the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase gene was the highest (90% percent), followed by (86 percent), transfer ribonucleic acid for histidine–photosystem II react percent ion center protein Ainternal transcribed spacer (75 percent), and maturase-K (57 Percent). The significant differences were as follows: inter- and intraspecific genetic distance (probability (p) <0.001), maturase-K (probability = 0.0001), combination maturase-K + photosystem II reaction center protein A (probability = 0.0008), maturase-K + ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (probability = 0.0008), maturase-K + internal transcribed spacer (probability = 0.0003), ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase + internal transcribed spacer (probability = 0.0002), photosystem II reaction center protein A + internal transcribed spacer (probability = 7.051e-05), and three combined markers maturase-K + photosystem II reaction center protein A + internal transcribed spacer (probability = 0.0007). It is noteworthy that the maturase-K barcode could construct the clustering and differentiate the mangrove species based on family and not from sites. The ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase barcode showed that members of Rhizophoraceae (Bruguiera parviflora, Rhizophora apiculata, and Rhizophora stylosa), Ptiredeacea (Acrostichum aureum), and Scyphiphora hydrophyllaceae from Rubiaceae existed in one branch.CONCLUSION: This study provided a reference database both molecularly and taxonomically to strengthen biodiversity assessment and monitor mangrove forests. This database can be used to clarify the results of deoxyribonucleic acid barcodes for morphological and biochemical identification in the eastern coast of Sumatra.
REVIEW PAPER
Environmental Management
A. Ibrahim; S. Withaningsih; R. Kinseng; Parikesit .; D. Muhamad
Abstract
Agroforestry offers sustainable solutions for small-scale farmers and the environment, crucial for climate change adaptation and resilience. They store carbon, conserve biodiversity, maintain water and soil fertility, and support livelihood diversification. Payment for ecosystem services has the potential ...
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Agroforestry offers sustainable solutions for small-scale farmers and the environment, crucial for climate change adaptation and resilience. They store carbon, conserve biodiversity, maintain water and soil fertility, and support livelihood diversification. Payment for ecosystem services has the potential to safeguard agroforestry systems in theory, yet it encounters obstacles concerning the permanence of these systems and associated risks and barriers. The primary objective of this research is to examine the obstacles and uncertainties related to the implementation of Payment for ecosystem services in smallholder agroforestry systems. This study plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Payment for ecosystem services schemes, thereby encouraging the widespread adoption of agroforestry practices. A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the payment for ecosystem services model and its implementation. Data were obtained from databases of scientific publications such as Scopus, Semantic Scholar, Crossref, and Google Scholar. A total of 40 pertinent studies were selected due to the intricate array of obstacles and uncertainties that hinder the effective implementation of payment for ecosystem services initiatives. The findings indicate that financial limitations arise as a noteworthy obstacle, as small-scale farmers encounter considerable economic hardships and discouragingly expensive implementation expenses (ranging from 150 United States dollar per metric ton of carbon dioxide). Additionally, they face a low credit price (approximately 50 United States dollar per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent). Socio-cultural factors, including gender dynamics, traditional beliefs, and generational disparities, shape farmers' attitudes toward payment for ecosystem services adoption, necessitating targeted interventions to foster trust and community acceptance. The importance of reliable data is emphasized by technical hurdles like accurate measurement of ecosystem services and monitoring complexities, necessitating innovative solutions and robust methodologies. Biophysical conditions like rainfall patterns and soil health further influence program success, demanding tailored approaches for effective implementation. The payment for ecosystem services programs entails a multitude of risks, which encompass various dimensions. These risks include uncertainties in the market, internal factors within the programs, flaws in program design, and environmental challenges. Market risks, like delayed credit payments, hinder financial cycles in programs. Other factors like farmers' commitment, inequitable benefit sharing, and labour displacement contribute to program sustainability risks. The success of programs is further endangered by subpar program design, insufficient conservation measures, and the adverse effects of climate change. Ultimately, comprehending and addressing these obstacles is essential in order to fully realize the benefits of payment for ecosystem services in agroforestry.bComprehensive strategies, including policy support, stakeholder engagement, and fair compensation coupled with collaborative efforts from governments, non-government organizations, local communities, and private enterprises are essential. Through the mitigation of risks barriers highlighted in this study, the utilization of payment for ecosystem services has the potential to become an effective instrument in advancing sustainable agricultural land practices, combating climate change, and improving the well-being of smallholder farmers.
REVIEW PAPER
Environmental Management
A.Z. Bi; K.B. Umesh; B. Md Abdul; D. Sivakumar; P. Srikanth
Abstract
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of food systems and the welfare of current and future generations depends critically on the economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural production. Implementing strategies that maximize resource use, reduce environmental effect, and guarantee profitability ...
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Ensuring the long-term sustainability of food systems and the welfare of current and future generations depends critically on the economic and environmental sustainability of agricultural production. Implementing strategies that maximize resource use, reduce environmental effect, and guarantee profitability is necessary to achieve economic and environmental sustainability at the crop level. Farmers need to be able to support their costs of production and crop sales through agriculture. In order to sell their goods at competitive prices, farmers must handle problems including market monopolies, price instability, and fair trading practices. The use of land, water, fertilizer, and pesticides affects production costs and earnings. Farmers can employ a variety of techniques, including as crop rotation, cover crops, agro forestry, organic farming, carbon sequestration and decreased tillage, which enhance soil health and lessen erosion, to preserve environmental sustainability. Water management strategies, such rainwater collection, drip irrigation, and water recycling, are used to save water and ease the strain on freshwater resources. Moreover, using drones and global positioning system-guided tractors maximizes input application, lowers fuel consumption, and boosts overall agricultural productivity. Beneficial insects, birds, and other animals find a home when hedgerows, buffer strips, and wildlife corridors are kept up around and inside fields at crop level. Farmers may improve the resilience, profitability, and long-term viability of their farms while reducing their negative environmental effects and advancing wider sustainability goals by incorporating economic management, environmental and social sustainability concepts at the farm level. Economic management, which lowers market risk and stabilizes farm revenue, involves cost analysis, budgeting, and community supported agriculture. The goals of integrated pest management and organic farming are to preserve the sustainable environment, control diseases and pests at the farm level, and use less chemicals overall. In order to ensure social sustainability, farm workers must engage with their local communities and customers, support resilient local food systems, and have safe working conditions, access to healthcare, and an education that upholds human dignity and social equality. To address the problem of unsustainable production practices, accounting for them by bringing all aspects of sustainability under a single umbrella is paramount. In spite of widespread interest in sustainability in agriculture production at the crop level, very little work has been done towards measuring the economic and environmental sustainability of individual crops at the farm level, particularly in developing countries like India. In the present study, a framework was developed that determines the sustainability of a particular crop's output using farm level information. Micro level indicators of sustainability only for the relevant dimensions of sustainability, viz., economic and environmental sustainability, were compiled and evaluated for their relevance, usefulness, and measurability for agriculture at the crop level. The sustainability scores of farmers were found to be 50.99 and 67.65 under the composite sustainability score under rainfed conditions. The composite sustainability scores for the composite environmental conditions were found to be 45.58 and 40.03 under rainfed and irrigated conditions, respectively. The economic sustainability indicator weights were found to be 30, 30, 15, 15, and 10 for the economic sustainable indicators 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 respectively. A further procedure for deriving composite indicators by aggregating individual indicators has been provided. The long-term viability of two sample respondents growing tomatoes was evaluated, demonstrating the applicability of the framework of agricultural production that balances environmental and economic sustainability at the crop level.
REVIEW PAPER
Environmental Management
Imelda .; R. Hidayat
Abstract
The current study provides a comprehensive analysis of climate change adaptation and mitigation in Indonesia's agricultural industry, addressing a significant research gap. By classifying approaches into ecological, economic, and social aspects, it presents valuable information for decision-makers and ...
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The current study provides a comprehensive analysis of climate change adaptation and mitigation in Indonesia's agricultural industry, addressing a significant research gap. By classifying approaches into ecological, economic, and social aspects, it presents valuable information for decision-makers and industry professionals. The review reveals an increasing interest in climate change adaptation and mitigation research between 2016 and 2021, with a subsequent decrease from 2021 to 2023.The majority of research is centered on crop farming, accounting for 60 percent of the studies conducted. The primary areas of study are concentrated in Java, which is a crucial region for crop production, making up 46 percent of the research locations. The sub-sectors examined include crop farming and fisheries. Ecological adaptation in crop farming involves technology adoption, intensive farming management, environmentally friendly agriculture, cropping pattern and timing adjustments, water management, superior varieties, and crop diversification. Within the realm of fisheries, ecological adaptation involves embracing new technology, modifying fishing schedules, and shifting fishing locations. Economic adaptation strategies encompass household consumption reduction, access to credit and insurance, livelihood diversification, asset selling, and savings utilization. Social adaptation encompasses utilizing indigenous knowledge, enhancing interpersonal connections, and supporting agricultural or fishing communities. The study delves into socioeconomic factors influencing adaptation and mitigation to climate change impacts, including individual characteristics, resource access, and institutional involvement. Farmers' ability to adapt is greatly influenced by factors such as gender, education, and access to resources. It is important to consider that while adapting and mitigating climate change may involve temporary drawbacks like decreased productivity and initial financial burdens, the long-term advantages for small-scale farmers are substantial, including improved well-being and increased resilience. This study aids in identifying adaptation and mitigation strategies to guide farmers and policymakers in reducing risks and building resilience within the agricultural system. Limitations in Indonesian studies, particularly outside Java, and the focus on fisheries and livestock sub-sectors provide opportunities for further research. It enhances the academic impact on the progression of knowledge growth in the field of climate change adaptation and mitigation within the agricultural industry of Indonesia.
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