Indonesian Journal of Applied Environmental Studies

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

Yerima Gwamna — 2025-10-27

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

Andi Setyo Pambudi — 2025-11-01

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

Yudi Firmansyah — 2025-11-15

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.

Turning waste into opportunity: Advancing circular and equitable waste management in Indonesia

Dolly Priatna — 2025-10-27

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.