Indonesian Journal of Applied Environmental Studies

Turning waste into opportunity: Advancing circular and equitable waste management

2025-10-28T00:36:06+00:00

The issue of waste management has emerged as a critical environmental and social challenge globally. Every day, billions of tons of waste are generated through human activities, much of which is inadequately managed. A 2018 report from the World Bank highlighted that over 2 billion tons of solid waste are produced annually, a figure projected to rise to 3.4 billion tons by 2050 without substantial changes in management practices. Waste accumulation is more than a matter of disposal; it triggers complex issues, including soil, water, and air pollution, as well as climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions like methane from landfills. In Indonesia, a populous nation with high consumption rates, waste management poses significant challenges. According to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), national waste generation in 2023 reached approximately 19 million tons annually, with only 60–70% collected and less than 10% recycled. Consequently, the majority of waste ends up in landfills—many of which still operate under open dumping systems that not only pollute the environment but also threaten the health of nearby communities. The escalating problem of plastic waste is particularly alarming. A research indicates that Indonesia is the second-largest contributor to marine plastic waste globally, following China. The plastic waste entering the ocean endangers marine ecosystems and can infiltrate the human food chain as microplastics. This situation underscores the need to view waste management not only as a technical challenge but as an interconnected social, economic, and governance issue.

Environmental and health risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in rice from Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria

2025-05-16T14:35:55+00:00

This study investigates heavy metal contamination in rice from Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria—an important rice-producing area potentially affected by environmental pollution. Given the widespread consumption of rice as a dietary staple and the rising prevalence of kidney-related diseases in the region, the research aimed to quantify the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) in rice and assess their associated health risks. Using a simple random sampling technique, 120 rice samples were collected, consisting of 90 paddy rice from four farms and 30 parboiled rice from Gashua Market. Samples were digested and analyzed using Microwave Plasma–Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES), and data were evaluated through one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed a significant (P<0.05) variation in heavy metal concentrations among samples. Parboiled rice from Gashua Market contained the highest arsenic level (0.383 mg/kg), exceeding WHO and USEPA limits. Cadmium (0.0242 mg/kg) and lead (0.102 mg/kg) also surpassed permissible limits of 0.001 mg/kg and 0.0035 mg/kg, respectively. Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for children indicated low risk, with all values below the threshold of 1. However, in adults, the HQ value for chromium at Gashua Market (2.162) exceeded the safe limit, suggesting potential health risks. The Hazard Index (HI) for both adults and children was greater than 1, primarily due to elevated concentrations of arsenic and chromium, signaling possible non-carcinogenic effects. Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) analysis further indicated an increased risk of cancer from prolonged exposure. In conclusion, rice grown and sold in Gashua is contaminated with heavy metals at levels posing both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. These findings underscore the urgent need for continuous monitoring, stricter regulatory enforcement by agencies such as NAFDAC, and proactive public health interventions to ensure food safety and protect community health.

Policy analysis of water resources and irrigation management for strengthening food security in Indonesia

2025-11-01T14:15:58+00:00

Indonesia is still classified as a country with a relatively high population growth rate. Economic growth embodied in increased industrial, service, and urban activities requires support from various sectors, including raw water supply. Water resources for food security are related to irrigation's quantity, quality, and accessibility. Irrigation development can take the form of new infrastructure development, maintenance, and protection of the irrigation water source area. The strategic issue of irrigation as a follow-up from this, cannot be separated from the problem of competition in water allocation, the burden of irrigation service costs, and local political issues regarding water control at the site level. On a policy scale, water resource management for food security requires strengthening regulations, political will, land-use change management, coordination, and adequate funding from the central to regional levels according to their respective authorities. This paper attempts to analyze irrigation development policies in the context of water resources development which aims to provide input on food security policies in Indonesia. This study uses qualitative methods through literature studies on water resources management for food security in Indonesia. The literature review method is based on five principal regulations, ten papers, and government reports. The analysis result recommends food security in the irrigated agriculture sector with strategies to increase production capacity and expand services of irrigation networks. Problems with irrigation water availability can be anticipated by conserving upstream watersheds, optimizing and normalizing reservoirs, and building dam infrastructure as water reservoirs for supplies throughout the planting period. Policies related to water resources affect food security through increasing agricultural production, diversifying production (sufficient water availability supports non-rice farming), reducing the risk of dry seasons, increasing resilience to climate change, and reducing water conflicts. Ensuring sustainable food security demands immediate resolution of irrigation challenges through comprehensive water resource management strategies including upstream conservation, reservoir normalization, infrastructure development, improved governance, and community participation.

Analysis of land use allocation for sustainable tourism development in Situ Tunggilis, Bogor Regency, Indonesia

2025-11-01T14:55:37+00:00

The spatial allocation in the buffer zone of Situ Tunggilis is currently not optimal, necessitating a more in-depth analysis to understand the environmental conditions and ecosystem of the area. This spatial allocation analysis can aid in developing effective and sustainable management strategies for the buffer zone. This study aims to analyze land cover in Situ Tunggilis, calculate the area of land cover around its buffer zone, and identify potential opportunities and threats faced by Situ Tunggilis for strategic management. Using aerial photo data from a Mavic 3 Enterprise drone equipped with RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) tools, land cover classification was conducted in the Situ Tunggilis area. The analysis results identified various types of land cover such as open land, recreational areas, residential areas, water bodies, cemeteries, and roads. The buffer zone area of Situ Tunggilis is approximately 17.678 hectares (Ha), predominantly covered by open land at 57.33%, followed by residential areas at 19.3% and fields at 10.7%. The main threat to Situ Tunggilis lies in potential land conversion for residential and agricultural purposes that could reduce water body size and environmental quality; additionally, invasive plant species covering about 13.322 hectares were found on water bodies within Situ Tunggilis that could disrupt ecosystem balance.

Advancing eco-friendly tourism through integrated zero-waste management strategies

2025-11-30T16:51:24+00:00

This study examines the implementation of zero-waste management as a strategic approach to promoting eco-friendly tourism in Wirokerten Tourism Village, Yogyakarta. The rapid growth of tourism activities often results in increased volumes of waste that are inadequately managed, thereby posing serious threats to environmental sustainability and reducing the overall quality and attractiveness of tourism destinations. The primary aim of this study is to explore the application of plastic waste management concepts within community-based tourism practices in Wirokerten Tourism Village. Through the adoption of a zero-waste approach, the village seeks to integrate the core principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling into its tourism planning, management, and daily operational practices. This research employs a qualitative case study methodology, incorporating field observations, in-depth interviews with key local stakeholders, and document analysis to examine how zero-waste initiatives are incorporated into tourism development processes in Wirokerten. The findings reveal that active community participation, consistent support from local government institutions, and collaborative environmental governance mechanisms are critical factors contributing to the effectiveness and sustainability of the zero-waste programs. Specific initiatives, including waste segregation at the household and tourism facility levels, composting of organic waste, and eco-education activities targeting visitors, significantly enhance the village’s image as an environmentally responsible and sustainability-oriented tourism destination. Nevertheless, several challenges persist, particularly in relation to limited funding availability, capacity building constraints, and the need to foster long-term behavioral change among both residents and tourists (Rachmawati et al., 2024). This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism by illustrating how zero-waste practices can be systematically integrated into tourism governance at the village level. The findings provide practical insights for policymakers, local communities, and tourism managers seeking to advance eco-friendly and sustainable tourism models in Indonesia and comparable contexts worldwide.

Analysis of sedimentation rate in peat lakes: Case study of Lake Teloko, South Sumatera

2025-10-28T14:28:51+00:00

Teloko Lake in Ogan Komering Ilir, South Sumatra, is a peat swamp ecosystem that has undergone revitalization through dredging activities aimed at increasing water storage capacity and reducing flood risk in surrounding areas. This study analyzes post-revitalization sedimentation processes, evaluates water quality conditions, and identifies the characteristics of suspended particles to support effective and adaptive lake management. The main objectives of this research were to determine the spatial distribution of Total Suspended Solids (TSS), quantify sedimentation rates, and examine the relationship between particle properties and hydrological conditions in order to assess the impacts of the revitalization intervention. Sampling was conducted at five representative locations at water depths ranging from 0.68 to 1.30 meters during the dry season in September 2025. The results show that TSS concentrations ranged from 681 to 740 mg/L, with an average value of 710.92 mg/L and a standard deviation of ±9.6%, indicating relatively uniform conditions among sampling sites and suggesting the absence of significant effects from dredging activities. A 72-hour sedimentation test revealed extremely low settling rates, as suspended particles remained in the water column without forming a distinct sediment layer. This behavior is attributed to the dominance of colloidal particles smaller than 20 µm that contain positively charged organic matter, generating repulsive forces that inhibit natural sedimentation processes. Overall, the findings confirm that the intrinsic properties of peat water and ongoing lake dynamics exert a stronger influence on sedimentation behavior than technical revitalization measures. These results provide important insights for long-term lake conservation and management, emphasizing the need for ecological approaches, such as the application of natural coagulants, to improve sediment control and maintain water quality in peat swamp lake ecosystems.

Assessment of community and local government capacity to coping landslide susceptibility in Babakan Madang District, Bogor Regency

2025-10-23T06:59:44+00:00

Babakan Madang District is one of the landslide-prone areas in Bogor Regency. Therefore, to anticipate the situation, it is crucial to understand the level of landslide susceptibility and the capacity of the community and local government. High community and local government capacity can reduce disaster risk and increase the community's ability to recover and adapt after a disaster occurs. The objectives of this study are: 1) Identifying the level of landslide susceptibility in Babakan Madang District; 2) Identifying the level of community capacity in Babakan Madang District; and 3) Identifying the level of local government capacity in Babakan Madang District. The data used are secondary data (documents and maps) and primary data (interviews, questionnaires, and observations). Landslide susceptibility analysis uses six parameters, namely rainfall intensity, rock type, soil type, slope gradient, and land use. Community and local government capacity analysis uses four parameters each, namely Facilities and Infrastructure, Human Resources, Economy, and Institutional. The analysis results show that 75.16% of Babakan Madang District has a moderate level of landslide susceptibility, and the remaining 24.84% has a high level of landslide susceptibility. Overall, the level of community and local government capacity is high, but the level of institutional capacity parameters is still low. Therefore, to strengthen disaster risk reduction in Babakan Madang District, the low institutional capacity of the community and local government needs to be improved.

Analysis of air pollutant distribution at the incinerator hazardous waste treatment facility in Nambo Village, Regency of Bogor

2025-12-31T05:40:00+00:00

The population of Indonesia continues to grow every year, resulting in an increasing number of industries to meet the needs of daily life. The growth in the number of industries reflects the progress of national economic development. However, industrial activities, in addition to generating positive impacts on economic growth, also produce negative impacts on the environment. The generation of Hazardous and Toxic Waste (B3 waste) is one of the negative consequences of industrial activities which, if not properly managed, can pose serious risks to the environment, human health, and the sustainability of the industrial activities themselves. One of the available options for managing B3 waste is treatment using incinerator technology. This study was conducted with the objective of determining and analyzing the concentrations of air pollutants in both emissions and ambient air, as well as the spatial distribution of air pollutants, specifically SO₂, NO₂, and Total Suspended Particulate (TSP), released from the incinerator chimney that have the potential to pollute the environment surrounding the company’s operational area, by comparing the results with baseline data used during the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (AMDAL). This study employed a quantitative analytical approach using the concepts of classification, calculation, measurement, and causal relationship analysis to address the research questions. Meteorological data were utilized, including wind rose analysis, atmospheric stability classification, determination of receptor points, and analysis of wind speed profiles, which were processed using WRPlot software. Furthermore, dispersion patterns were interpreted and visualized using Surfer software to identify pollutant dispersion characteristics. The results of the study indicate that the distribution of SO₂, NO₂, and TSP pollutants does not cause pollution in the surrounding environment, and the measured concentrations remain below the government-established ambient air quality standards and are consistent with the analysis data used during the AMDAL preparation. The scope of the measurements was limited to the distribution of air pollutants around the company’s operational area in accordance with the AMDAL document, and the measured parameters were key air quality indicators referring to Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021, Appendix VII, namely SO₂, NO₂, and TSP.