An Idea on Safety and Environment

Microplastics Identification As Bioremediation In The Tello River Makassar

2025-02-24T09:15:39+00:00

Introduction: Microplastics are the smallest pieces of plastic measuring >5 mm.

Microplastics that enter the environment will accumulate in the water and are not

easily removed because of their persistent nature. The activity and pollutant

sources strongly influence the abundance of microplastics.

Objective: identify and map microplastics and identify the existence of the

bacteria Pseudomonas as microbial decomposers in the Tello River, Makassar.

Method: Methods: This study is a descriptive observational study to examine.

This study was conducted from January to February 2021, in the Tello River,

Makassar.

Result: The results of this study show an abundance of microplastics in the Tello

River of 0.911 ± 0.022 MPs/L, The sizes of microplastics found are >1 mm and

1.00-4.75 mm, no microplastic size of >4.75 was found. with the same form and

size characteristics, and in general, with a different microplastic color. Conclusion:

The existence of microplastics in the river indicates that the Tello River has been

polluted. The existence of the bacteria Pseudomonas in the Tello River plays a

role in the degradation of plastics into microplastics

Conclusion: From the results of this study, it is suggested that the government

regulate the management of plastic waste, with the involvement of law enforcers

and related stakeholders so that people do not dispose of plastic waste in rivers,

drainage, or sea.

Utilization of Clean Water as Risk Factors for Cases of Stunting Toddlers

2025-05-26T10:32:53+00:00

Introduction: Stunting continues to pose a significant public health problem in Indonesia, with a particular impact on children under the age of five. In addition to nutritional factors, environmental sanitation, particularly the application of clean water for food and utensil hygiene, has been pinpointed as a possible contributor. Objective: The objective of this research was to investigate the correlation between access to clean water and stunted growth in young children living in low-income families. Method: A cross-sectional study employing a quantitative approach was conducted in a Taguig, engaging 89 mothers of toddlers ranging in age from 24 to 59 months. Participants were chosen using a straightforward random sampling method. Data were gathered using a set of predefined questionnaires and anthropometric assessments. Nutritional status was determined by the World Health Organisation's height-for-age Z-scores. Chi-square tests were conducted for statistical analysis, with a p-value threshold of less than 0.05 being considered statistically significant.Result: Among the 89 toddlers, 40 (44.9%) were classified as healthy and 49 (55.1%) were identified as stunted. Out of children from households with income below 1 million IDR, 28 of them (70%) were of normal stature, whereas 33 (67.3%) were stunted. Clean water was not being optimally used for washing and sanitizing feeding and drinking utensils that were being used by toddlers who were stunted. The statistical link between income and stunting was not found to be significant at a p-value greater than 0.05.Conclusion: Clean water use, especially for feeding equipment given to toddlers, is crucial for preventing stunting in children. Income levels alone were not strongly linked to a significant association, but hygiene practices tied to water use are still very important. Stunting reduction efforts should therefore include WASH interventions in conjunction with nutritional programs.

Heavy Metal Contamination Level in The Body Between Chemical Pesticide Sprayers

2025-05-26T12:49:09+00:00

Introduction: Agricultural workers who handle chemical pesticides are at increased risk of exposure to heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). These metals are known to accumulate in the body and cause long-term health consequences. However, limited data are available on their contamination levels among pesticide sprayers in rural Indonesia.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the concentration levels of Pb, Cd, and Hg in the biological samples of chemical pesticide sprayers and to analyze their association with sociodemographic and occupational risk factors.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2024 in Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi, involving 50 chemical pesticide sprayers. Biological samples (blood and urine) were collected and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) to measure Pb, Cd, and Hg concentrations. Sociodemographic and occupational data were obtained through structured interviews. The results were compared against WHO reference values.

Result: The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Hg were 18.5 µg/L (±6.2), 3.2 µg/L (±1.4), and 7.9 µg/L (±2.8), respectively. A total of 72% of respondents had Pb levels above the WHO threshold, 80% exceeded limits for Cd, and 60% for Hg. Most participants had low education (60% elementary or none), limited PPE use (80% incomplete or none), and long-term exposure (76% >5 years). Smoking prevalence was 70%, compounding Cd exposure risk.

Conclusion: A majority of pesticide sprayers were exposed to heavy metals at levels exceeding international safety standards. Inadequate protective measures, low awareness, and prolonged exposure increase their vulnerability to chronic health effects. These findings call for urgent public health interventions, including biomonitoring, safety training, and stricter pesticide regulation to protect this high-risk group.

Association Between Indoor Air Quaity and Stress Among University Student in Indonesia

2025-05-26T22:38:10+00:00

Introduction: Indoor air quality (IAQ) has been increasingly recognized as a factor influencing mental health. University students, who spend prolonged hours in indoor academic settings, may be vulnerable to the effects of poor IAQ on psychological well-being. However, evidence from Indonesian contexts remains limited

Objective: This study aims to investigate the association between indoor air quality and stress levels among university students in Indonesia.

Method: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between indoor air quality and stress levels among university students in Indonesia. A total of 54 students were selected using simple random sampling. IAQ parameters—temperature, humidity, CO?, and PM2.5—were measured in indoor academic environments using digital air quality monitors. Stress levels were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using chi-square tests to determine the relationship between IAQ and stress levels.

Result: The majority of respondents were aged 20–22 years (38.9%) and represented a balanced gender distribution. Indoor air quality was categorized as good (33.3%), moderate (27.8%), or poor (38.9%). Most students reported normal or mild stress levels. Chi-square analysis showed no statistically significant association between IAQ and stress levels (?² = 3.81, df = 6, p = 0.702)..

Conclusion: The study found no significant association between indoor air quality and stress levels among university students. While environmental quality remains important, psychological stress in academic settings may be more strongly influenced by academic and social factors. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore this relationship in greater depth.

Challenges Integrating Environmental Health into Disaster-Resilient Villages in Poso, Indonesia

2025-05-27T11:36:14+00:00

Introduction: Disaster-resilient village (DRV) programs in Indonesia aim to

strengthen community preparedness, yet often lack comprehensive integration of

environmental health components. In disaster-prone and ecologically vulnerable

areas such as Poso, the absence of such integration can exacerbate health risks

during and after disasters. This study explores the challenges of incorporating

environmental health into DRV initiatives.

Objective: This study aimed to identify the challenges of integrating

environmental health into disaster-resilient village initiatives and to examine the

relationship between environmental health knowledge and community

participation in DRV programs in Poso, Indonesia.

Method: A descriptive research design was employed involving 48 purposively

selected respondents from three disaster-prone villages in Poso, Indonesia. Data

were collected using structured questionnaires and supported by in-depth

interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-

square tests to determine associations between environmental health knowledge

and DRV participation.

Result: Findings revealed that 70.8% of respondents actively participated in DRV

activities. Chi-square analysis showed a statistically significant association

between environmental health knowledge and participation in DRV programs (?²

= 4.17, p = 0.041). Respondents with good knowledge were more likely to be

engaged in DRV activities.

Conclusion: Strengthening environmental health knowledge among community

members is essential for effective participation in DRV programs. Integrating

health and environmental considerations into disaster strategies—supported by

policy, education, and multi-sector collaboration—can enhance community

resilience in disaster-prone regions like Poso.