Environmental Management
D.A. Syamsu; D. Deswati; S. Syafrizayanti; A. Putra; Y. Suteja
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microplastics are plastic fragments measuring less than 5 millimeters which are formed from degraded plastic materials and have the potential to pollute the environment. Due to their widespread presence in the marine environment, microplastics have become a significant global ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microplastics are plastic fragments measuring less than 5 millimeters which are formed from degraded plastic materials and have the potential to pollute the environment. Due to their widespread presence in the marine environment, microplastics have become a significant global threat. The presence of microplastics is often considered as causing pollution in various environments, especially aquatic ecosystems such as rivers and oceans. Microplastics contamination can even be found in consumed salt, thus raising concerns about its impact on human health. However, information on the presence of microplastics in salt is still very limited. This study aims to determine the abundance and characteristics of microplastics as contaminants in salt and assess the human exposure to microplastics in Indonesia.METHODS: A total of 21 samples of salt products were taken from various brands available in Padang City and Jambi City, Indonesia for analysis. Microplastics extraction was carried out by removing the organic materials contained in the salt samples using 30 percent hydrogen peroxide and then filtering them with a 0.45 micrometer pore filter. A stereomicroscope was used to detect the abundance, shape, size, and color of microplastics, while the Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was utilized to identify the polymer type of the microplastics. Furthermore, human exposure to microplastics can be predicted by calculating the estimated dietary intake and taking into account the daily salt intake.FINDINGS: Microplastics were detected in significant amounts (p<0.05) in all salt samples, ranging from 33 to 313 particles/kilogram. The types of microplastics most commonly found in the samples were fragments (67.49 percent), fibers (23.82 percent), films (6.08 percent), and pellets (2.61 percent). The types of polymer identified include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyester. The dominant microplastics were 100-300 micrometers in size (47.3 percent) and black in color (52.88 percent). It is estimated that adults in Indonesia will be exposed to 60.225-571.225 microplastics/year if they consume 5 grams of salt/day or 120.45-1142.45 microplastics/year if they consume 10 grams of salt/day.CONCLUSION: Of the 21 salt samples analyzed, all were detected to contain microplastics. Inadequate and unhygienic salt production and contaminated seawater used as raw material contribute to microplastics contamination of salt, thus posing a risk to human health. By calculating of daily salt intake of the Indonesian population, it is possible to estimate their daily and annual exposure to microplastics. The results of this study contain useful information for the efforts to prevent microplastics contamination by relevant stakeholders and the provision of education and socialization about the proper salt production process in accordance with food safety standards as to reduce or even eliminate microplastics in salt. In addition, this study can provide valuable data on human exposure to microplastics in salt products that can assist policymakers in making standard references for microplastics.
Environmental Management
N.B. Maulydia; R. Idroes; K. Khairan; T.E. Tallei; F. Mohd Fauzi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tridax procumbens L. is a plant that grows abundantly in the Ie-Seu'um geothermal area in Aceh Province, Indonesia. The objective of this study is to determine metabolite compounds from Tridax procumbens plants in a geothermal area using qualitative and quantitative analyses. ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tridax procumbens L. is a plant that grows abundantly in the Ie-Seu'um geothermal area in Aceh Province, Indonesia. The objective of this study is to determine metabolite compounds from Tridax procumbens plants in a geothermal area using qualitative and quantitative analyses. In addition, the contents of six heavy metals in plants and their toxicology were assessed using an in silico approach.METHODS: The ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens was analyzed qualitatively using reagents to determine the contents of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, and saponins. In addition, quantitative analysis was conducted using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy to obtain the chromatograms and mass spectra of the metabolite compounds of the ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens, which were used in computational toxicology analysis using a simplified molecular input system in a predictor server. Atomic absorption spectrometry was conducted to confirm the contents of six heavy metals harmful to medicinal plants.FINDINGS: The results showed that Tridax procumbens from the Ie-Seu'um geothermal area, Aceh, has secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and tannins, with phytol from diterpenoid group having the highest content (32.72 percent). Toxicological analysis showed that the compounds in the ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens were nontoxic or inactive in five toxicity parameters. The other results of the heavy metal analysis showed the dominance of chromium among the other six metals tested (copper, not detected; cadmium, 0.91 ± 0.03 milligram per kilogram; zinc, 3.50 ± 0.03 milligram per kilogram; iron, 4.65 ± 0.02 milligram per kilogram; lead, 6.42 ± 0.05 milligram per kilogram; and chromium, 13.81 ± 0.07 milligram per kilogram.CONCLUSION: This study highlights the unique secondary metabolite composition of Tridax procumbens under such extreme conditions and underscores the potential implications of heavy metal accumulation in plants in geothermal areas.
Environmental Management
I. Martias; R. Rifardi; A. Agrina; I. Suprayogi
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Penyengat Island is a small island in the Riau Archipelago Province, Indonesia, with a coastal settlement that embodies traditional Malay values. This island holds significance due to the historical connection to the Malay royal civilization along the Malacca Strait, which ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Penyengat Island is a small island in the Riau Archipelago Province, Indonesia, with a coastal settlement that embodies traditional Malay values. This island holds significance due to the historical connection to the Malay royal civilization along the Malacca Strait, which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Therefore, this research analyzes the status and determinants of the sustainability of healthy settlement arrangements in the coastal area of Penyengat Island as a cultural heritage site.METHODS: The study utilizes the multi-dimensional scaling-rapid appraisal for sustainability approach, employing the modified rapid appraisal for fisheries ordinance software technique for settlement analysis. Data collection was performed using a survey and literature review. The survey was conducted through field observations and interviews with respondents, while a literature review was carried out through secondary data collection related to settlements and cultural heritage. The data analysis was performed using multi-dimensional scaling, modified from the rapid assessment appraisal method for fisheries.FINDINGS: The study reveals that the sustainability index status for the ecological and institutional legal dimensions in Penyengat island is sustainable. In contrast, the economic and socio-cultural dimensions recorded low sustainability, while the green infrastructure dimension was deemed unsustainable. Several attributes significantly influenced the sustainability of healthy settlement arrangements in the coastal area of Penyengat Island, including household waste management, lighting in houses, noise levels, residential density, clean water supply, corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding, occupation, income growth, technological innovation, tourist numbers, public perception of the distance between cultural heritage and settlements, social conflicts, implementation of mutual cooperation, community group management, handling cross-program problems, education and training, settlement regulations, community organization regarding settlements, socialization of regulations, cultural heritage organizations, hedgerows, additional vegetation, tree canopy expansion, and rain gardens. The multi-dimensional scaling analysis indicated that the ecological dimension of sustainability ranged from 51.71 to 60.67, corresponding to the moderate status in Rukun Warga 1 to 5. The economic dimension ranges from 40.46 to 48.23, indicating a less advanced status in Rukun Warga 1 to 5. The socio-cultural dimension ranges from 48.97 to 51.78, representing sufficient status in Rukun Warga 1 and less sustainable in Rukun Warga 2 to 5. The institutional, legal dimension ranges from 50.18 to 71.24, with a sufficiently continuous status in Rukun Warga 1 to 5. Lastly, the green infrastructure dimension ranges from -0.12 to 6.72, a non-continuous status in Rukun Warga 1 to 5.CONCLUSION: The sustainability status of healthy settlement arrangements on Penyengat Island is relatively good. While Penyengat Island has made significant strides in achieving sustainable settlement arrangements, the green infrastructure dimension requires attention. Enhancing sustainability in this dimension involves addressing socio-cultural aspects and improving the institutional and legal framework. In summary, Penyengat Island can progress toward a more sustainable and resilient future by fostering community involvement, strengthening governance structures, and implementing sustainable practices.
Environmental Management
J. Kharkan; M.H. Sayadi; M. Hajiani; M.R. Rezaei; M. Savabieasfahani
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The nanoparticles has been discussed in terms of their adverse global impacts on health and health inequity. Metal oxide nanoparticles and their salts can have varied toxic effects on different tissues in the aquatic environments. The aim of present study was to assess the ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The nanoparticles has been discussed in terms of their adverse global impacts on health and health inequity. Metal oxide nanoparticles and their salts can have varied toxic effects on different tissues in the aquatic environments. The aim of present study was to assess the toxicity of nickel oxide nanoparticles in relation to different nickel salts.METHODS: Acute toxicity of nickel oxide nanoparticles, nickel sulfate, nickel nitrate and nickel chloride, in black fish was investigated. A total of 125 fish were randomly assigned to a control group (n=25) and four exposure groups (n=25 per group). After 28 days of exposure, the bioaccumulation of nickel oxide nanoparticles in gill, intestine, liver, and kidney of the fish was determined by killing half of them in each group and dissecting their tissues. The remaining fish were placed in clean water for another 28 days and the depuration rate was estimated.FINDINGS: The LC50-96 values reported for nickel oxide nanoparticles, nickel sulfate, nickel nitrate and nickel chloride were 195, 120, 138 and 91 milligrams per liter, respectively. Therefore, nickel chloride had a higher toxicity compared to nickel oxide nanoparticles, nickel sulfate and nickel nitrate. The highest rate of nickel oxide nanoparticles bioaccumulation was observed in the gill (0.40±0.08 microgram per gram), intestine (41.82±16.95 microgram per gram), liver (2.16±1.82 microgram per gram), and kidney (2.16±1.26 microgram per gram) of the fish. The highest depuration rate of nickel oxide nanoparticles, nickel sulfate, nickel nitrate, and nickel chloride was recorded in the intestinal tissue of the fish. The lowest depuration rate of nickel oxide nanoparticles, nickel sulfate and nickel nitrate was observed in the kidney tissue of the fish. Also, the lowest depuration rate of nickel chloride was witnessed in the gill tissue of the fish. Histopathological anomalies were detected in the fish exposed to nickel oxide nanoparticles. These anomalies were fusion of lamellae, lamellar synechiae, curvature and oedema in the gill; increased number of goblet cells and cell swelling; and degradation of villi structure and expansion of villi structure in the intestine.CONCLUSION: The study conclusively demonstrated that nickel oxide nanoparticles were eco-toxic and harmful to aquatic organisms. Strong global nickel oxide nanoparticles regulations must be enforced to prevent further environmental contamination with nanoparticles.
Environmental Management
W. Corredor-Santamaría; I.C. Calderón-Delgado; Z. Arbeli; J.M. Navas; Y.M. Velasco-Santamaría
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are present in all environmental matrices. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-rich wastewater from the oil industry is discharged into natural water bodies. Detritivorous fish shown the effects of pollutants in water. Biomarkers of effect make ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are present in all environmental matrices. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-rich wastewater from the oil industry is discharged into natural water bodies. Detritivorous fish shown the effects of pollutants in water. Biomarkers of effect make it possible to demonstrate exposure to xenobiotics such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatic and erythrocyte response in Aequidens metae , a detritivorous fish, exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in terms of morphological, biochemical, and genotoxic changes. METHODS: Juveniles of Aequidens metaewere exposed to 50 microgram per gram body weight of beta-naphthoflavone, 100 microgram per gram of naphthalene, 50 microgram per gram of phenanthrene and 10 microgram per gram of benzo[a]pyrene, for 72 hours. Water quality variables, total protein content, 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity, liver histopathological changes and genotoxic alterations in peripheral blood were measured during the assay. FINDING:In polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-exposed fish, analysis of liver tissue revealed parenchymal lesions and changes in the number and shape of hepatocyte nuclei. On the other hand, only fish exposed to benzo[a]pyrene shown significant increase in the 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity compared to solvent control. In peripheral blood erythrocytes, increased presence of nuclear abnormalities was higher in fish exposed to phenanthrene, followed by benzo[a]pyrene, beta-naphthoflavone, and naphthalene. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that Aequidens metae is a suitable bioindicator for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons monitoring in aquatic ecosystems. Phenanthrene reveals for the first time a greater genotoxic effect than benzo[a]pyrene at sublethal concentrations. Juveniles ofAequidens metae exposed to concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons close to those found in the environment showed health-compromising damage.
Environmental Management
G. Saini; P. S. Deepak
Abstract
The entire world is reeling under the worst pandemic of last 100 years. Over 128 million people have been infected with it and 2.8 million deaths have already taken place, till 30th March 2021. The identification of materials positive cases is the first step towards its containment and treatment. However, ...
Read More
The entire world is reeling under the worst pandemic of last 100 years. Over 128 million people have been infected with it and 2.8 million deaths have already taken place, till 30th March 2021. The identification of materials positive cases is the first step towards its containment and treatment. However, testing of individuals is an extensive, expensive and time-consuming exercise. In addition, societal taboos are also associated with infected individuals resulting in very few people volunteering for testing, esp. in the developing and under-developed world. An alternative approach that circumvents individual testing is the wastewater-based epidemiology. A state-of-the-art review of this method is provided in context of its utility for COVID-19 detection. This technique relies on collecting and testing samples from sewers and/or wastewater treatment plants for the presence of pathogens and then using that data to determine and predict the spread of the infection, thereby allowing the provision of appropriate containment and treatment steps. The study covers key aspects of wastewater-based epidemiology application for COVID-19 detection including its need, detailed process of detection and assessment, data analysis, economics and challenges to its application. Findings from a number of case studies are presented to elucidate the utility of this technique. It is clearly seen that WBE-based approach is a much better strategy as compared to individual testing and can be adopted to prevent further spread of Covid-19. The work is expected to further emphasize the application of this method for COVID (and other pandemic) detection and implementing containment strategies. This is clearly a much more economical and non-intrusive approach as compared to the individual testing.
Environmental Management
R. Torres; N. Baker; G. Bernal; F. Peres; A. Maldonado; D.D. Caceres
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to evaluate in a time-series study the short-term effects of particulate matter-2.5exposure on respiratory emergency visits in six central-southern Chilean cities highly contaminated by wood smoke.METHODS: Association was assessed using both distributed ...
Read More
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to evaluate in a time-series study the short-term effects of particulate matter-2.5exposure on respiratory emergency visits in six central-southern Chilean cities highly contaminated by wood smoke.METHODS: Association was assessed using both distributed lag linear and non-linear Poisson models constrained to a 7-day lag period, adjusting for temporal trends and meteorological variables and stratifying seasonally into cold and warm periods.FINDING: The results showed that the daily average concentrations of particulate matter-2.5in the cold period were 3 to 6 times those recorded in the warm period, exceeding the daily norm of 50 µg/m3 the 93.3% of the time versus 6.7%, respectively. The average daily number of respiratory emergency visits were between 30% and 64% higher in the cold period compared to the warm one. From linear models, cumulative relative risk ratios over 0-7 day lags per 10 mg/m3 of fine particle increase were between 1.004 (95% confidence Interval: 0.998 - 1.010) and 1.061 (95% confidence Interval: 1.049 - 1.074); these annual effects are attributable to the cold period impact where the cumulative risk ratios were between 1.008 (95% confidence Interval: 1.004 - 1.012) and 1.036 (95% confidence Interval: 1.026 - 1.047), since significant effects of fine particles on the studied risk were not found for the warm period.CONCLUSION: With non-linear models we observed strong increasing associations with the level of particles for the overall period. High levels of fineparticles from firewood are associated with respiratory effects observable several days after exposure. Health effects found in this study suggest that current policies tending to mitigate woodsmoke-related emissions should continue and reinforce.
Environmental Management
S. Kozlovskyi; D. Bilenko; M. Kuzheliev; R. Lavrov; V. Kozlovskyi; H. Mazur; A. Taranych
Abstract
At the end of 2019, the new virus called Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) spread widely from China all over the world. In March 2020 the World Health Organization declared a new virus outbreak as “a global pandemic”, and recommended social distancing and quarantine. Most countries in Europe ...
Read More
At the end of 2019, the new virus called Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) spread widely from China all over the world. In March 2020 the World Health Organization declared a new virus outbreak as “a global pandemic”, and recommended social distancing and quarantine. Most countries in Europe have been quarantined. The social aspect of this issue is complicated by the fact that Europe nowadays hosts 82 million international migrants. If migrant workers leave the host country, it reduces the Covid-19 spread. Nevertheless, if migrant workers do not return, it will worsen the situation with the economic crisis. The subject of the study is the instrumental and mathematical aspects of impact simulation of labor migrants’ policy on the economic growth of the host country affected by COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the work is to develop the system dynamics model for assessing labor migrants’ policy impact on the economic growth of the host country during COVID-19 pandemic. It examined through hypotheses of different scenarios of labor migrants policy impact on the host country economic growth in Covid-19 pandemic. The proposed model combines epidemiological and the economic growth models and relies upon real statistical data. The analysis was carried out in four European countries. The results of the study enabled to state that without migrant workers the gross domestic product may fall to 43% in Italy, 45% in Netherlands, 37% in Spain and 200% in Switzerland in 2020.
Environmental Management
D. Mahan; O. Waissbluth; D. Caceres
Abstract
Carcinogenic and systemic health effects of arsenic exposure in drinking water are well documented. This study estimated the risk associated with chronic consumption of water with high concentrations of arsenic in children and adults living in six Andean locations, in Chile. Concentrations of arsenic ...
Read More
Carcinogenic and systemic health effects of arsenic exposure in drinking water are well documented. This study estimated the risk associated with chronic consumption of water with high concentrations of arsenic in children and adults living in six Andean locations, in Chile. Concentrations of arsenic in the drinking water were analyzed between 2014 and 2017 based on health authority reports and data collected during this study. Average daily arsenic intake was estimated, and systemic (HQ) and deterministic carcinogenic risk (CR) indices were calculated using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency methodology. Threshold values of HQ>1 and CR> 1 x 10–4 were considered to indicate high risk of adverse health effects. Four of the locations (Chucuyo > Putre > Humapalca = Visviri) had high concentrations of arsenic in the water, at levels 6.3–57.6 times the norm of 0.01 mg/L, Zapahuira and Belén, had values just below the threshold. Extremely high HQ values were estimated in children, at 1.3–119.8 times the threshold. Furthermore, CR values were several orders of magnitude (3.06–10790.6) above the tolerable value among all age strata. The locations studied have a high risk of adverse health effects from exposure to arsenic in drinking water. It is urgent to implement mitigation measures to improve water quality in these communities and to carry out probabilistic studies to provide more accurate assessment of exposure.
Environmental Management
M.A. Salam; S.C. Paul; S.N.B.M. Noor; S.A. Siddiqua; T.D. Aka; R. Wahab; E.R. Aweng
Abstract
Rapid industrialization along with advanced agricultural activities led to the contamination in aquatic environment with heavy metals. Heavy metals ultimately pass into human body through having aquatic animals like fish, prawn and crab. In this study, accumulation of heavy metals (zinc, copper, iron, ...
Read More
Rapid industrialization along with advanced agricultural activities led to the contamination in aquatic environment with heavy metals. Heavy metals ultimately pass into human body through having aquatic animals like fish, prawn and crab. In this study, accumulation of heavy metals (zinc, copper, iron, cadmium and lead) in various organs of four commonly consumed fish (Euthynnus affinis, Pampus argenteus, Descapterus macrosoma, and Leiognathus daura), prawn (Fenneropenaeus indicus) and crab (Portunus pelagicus) of Tok Bali Port, Kelantan, Malaysia were determined. Health risk was assessed using estimated daily intake and target hazard quotients. Although the concentrations of all the heavy metals in all fish, prawn and crab species were lower as per Malaysian Food Act, but the concentrations showed remarkable differences among the species and organs. The concentration of heavy metals in the gill was the highest of all fish species followed by in the liver and flesh. The total accumulation of heavy metals was maximum in Euthynnus affinis followed by Leiognathus daura, Descapterus macrosoma and Pampus argenteus of the fish species. However, the highest concentrations (µg/g) was for Zn (72.97±2.75), followed by Fe (4.309±0.68), Cd (1.189±0.78), Cu (1±0.87) and Pb (0.41±0.19) among all the heavy metal contents of fish. No significant variation (P<0.05) of the heavy metal concentration in prawn and crab species was observed. The investigation indicated that the fish, prawn and crab species of this port were safe for human consumption but the safe disposal of various wastes should be practiced to control the heavy metal accumulation in future.
