Environmental Pollution Journal

Optimization of Media Bed Height for Simple Filtration Treatment of Laundry Wastewater

Muhammad Al Kholif — 2026-07-21

Household and commercial laundry businesses contribute to water pollution by generating liquid waste with high concentrations of Biological oxygen demand (BOD), Chemical oxygen demand (COD), surfactants, and phosphates. This study aims to analyze the effect of varying the height of a combined filtration medium comprising coconut fiber, zeolite, activated carbon, and gravel on the reduction of BOD and COD levels in laundry wastewater in Bratang Perintis Street, Wonokromo District, Surabaya City. Wastewater samples were collected in 30-liter volumes, with initial BOD and COD concentrations of 320 mg/L and 718 mg/L, respectively, exceeding the quality standards set by East Java Governor Regulation No. 72 of 2013. The wastewater was gravity-fed through four 4-inch-diameter acrylic reactors with media bed heights of 8, 10, 12, and 14 cm, each operated at a flow rate of 1 L/h with two treatment cycles. The results showed a maximum BOD reduction efficiency of 53.75% and a maximum COD reduction efficiency of 55.43% in the reactor with an 8 cm media height. Reactors with thicker media did not demonstrate higher efficiency, indicating the influence of hydraulic factors on system performance. The BOD and COD levels of the effluent from all reactors still exceeded quality standards, necessitating integration with advanced treatment processes to meet discharge standards for water bodies,

Identication of Types and Characteristics of Hazardous Waste at Campus X

Bela Pitaloka — 2026-07-21

Hazardous and toxic waste (B3 waste) management in higher education environments is
important to prevent environmental pollution and health risks caused by improper waste
handling. Campus operational activities, laboratories, ofces, and facility maintenance activities
have the potential to generate various types of hazardous waste that require proper management
according to environmental regulations. This study aimed to identify the types, characteristics,
sources, and generation of B3 waste produced at Campus X. The research used a descriptive
observational method through direct eld observations, waste generation measurements for
seven consecutive days, documentation, and short interviews during the observation process.
The results showed that hazardous waste generated at Campus X originated from laboratory
activities, ofce activities, campus operational activities, and equipment maintenance. The
identied waste types included electronic waste, used batteries, expired chemicals, infectious
waste, uorescent lamps, and used hazardous waste packaging. The total hazardous waste
generation during the observation period reached 57.53 kg with an average generation of 8.22
kg/day. Most of the waste characteristics were classied as toxic, corrosive, infectious,
ammable, and environmentally hazardous. The study also found that hazardous waste
segregation and temporary storage practices at Campus X were still not fully implemented
according to technical standards. Therefore, improvements in waste segregation systems,
provision of temporary storage facilities, and strengthening of hazardous waste management
practices are necessary to support environmentally sustainable campus management.

Food Waste in the Implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program: From Nutrition to Emissions and Management Strategies

Priyaji Agung Pambudi — 2026-07-21

The MBG program has reached 58.1 million beneficiaries, however, it also generates environmental impacts in the form of food waste. This study examinated food waste generation and management practices through a conceptual approach, field observations, and interviews with SPPG. The estimated food waste generated by the MBG program reaches 1.1-1.4 million tons per year at both SPPG and schools, with most waste remaining unmanaged and relying solely on landfill disposal. Open dumping landfills pose a significant risk of methane (CH₄) emissions. Existing food waste management practices in the MBG program are estimated to produce annual emissions of approximately 47,600 metric tons of CH₄ and 1,173.2 billion tons of CO₂e, thereby incresing the burden on national emissions reduction targets. Emission prevention and environmental impact mitigation can be achieved through waste management infrastructure at SPPG or colectivelly at district and municipal levels. Ideal management practices include biocomposting (fertilizer production), biodigester (bioenergy production), and maggot cultivation (animal protein production). Through these approaches, the MBG program not only provides nutrition but also transforms waste into fertilizer, bioenergy, and protein, supporting low-carbon developmen initiativest.

The Effect Of Blood Microplastic Particle Count On Corticosterone Hormone Level In Rattus Norvegicus Strain Wistar

I Made Aindrea Mahaputra Widiastawa — 2026-07-21

Microplastics, particularly Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), are environmental pollutants that can enter the body through oral exposure and potentially accumulate in the bloodstream. The presence of microplastics in systemic circulation is suspected to trigger physiological stress responses through activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. This study aimed to determine the effect of the number of microplastic particles in the blood on corticosterone hormone levels in Rattus norvegicus Wistar strain rats. This study employed an experimental design with a control group and treatment groups that received oral exposure to LDPE microplastics for 28 days. The number of microplastic particles in the blood was examined using light microscopy and polymer identification was confirmed using FTIR, while corticosterone levels were measured using the ELISA method. The results showed an increase in the number of microplastics in the blood following exposure, accompanied by elevated corticosterone levels as an indicator of physiological stress. This study recommends further investigation into the long-term effects of microplastics on the endocrine system and their implications for human health.

Strategic Green Ergonomics Design to Enhance Eco-Campus Effectiveness in Higher Education Institutions for Sustainability Outcomes

Ida Kusnawati Tjahjani — 2026-07-29

The effectiveness of the eco-campus program remains suboptimal due to weak integration among environmental, behavioral, and ergonomic aspects of campus users. This research aims to design strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the eco-campus program at Universitas PGRI Adi Buana Surabaya through a green ergonomics approach. Data were collected through observation, questionnaire distribution, and interviews involving all members of the academic community. The data were identified using a Fishbone Diagram and analyzed using the SWOT method to determine internal and external factors, followed by the formulation of improvement strategies using the QSPM method.The results of the study produced four strategies, namely S1, S2, S3, and S4. The prioritized strategy is S1—an Integrated Green Ergonomics Model—with the highest total score of 3.60. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the total attractiveness scores of the following factors: dependence on expensive technology (T3), lack of national Green Ergonomics standards (T4), changes in internal leadership policies (T2), resistance to organizational cultural change (T1), low awareness of the academic community regarding Green Ergonomics (W2), limited budget and management priorities (W4), support for sustainable research grants (O3), and the lack of cross-unit integration in eco-campus implementation (W1).

Microplastic Abundance in Mangrove Sediments Based on Mangrove Density at Cemara Beach, Jember

Debita Dwi Putri — 2026-07-21

Mangrove ecosystems play an essential ecological role in coastal environments by stabilizing sediments and trapping various pollutants, including microplastics. Increasing plastic waste generated by human activities has contributed to the accumulation of microplastics in coastal ecosystems, particularly within mangrove sediments. This study aimed to analyze microplastic abundance in mangrove sediments based on mangrove density in the mangrove area of Cemara Beach, Puger, Jember. Sediment sampling was carried out at four observation points representing different environmental characteristics and levels of human activity, namely tourism areas, residential areas, central mangrove zones, and areas remote from human activities. Microplastic abundance was determined by calculating the number of particles identified in each sediment sample and expressing the results as particles per gram of sediment. The findings revealed that microplastics were present at all sampling locations with a total abundance of 0.885 particles/gram. The highest abundance was recorded at the residential area (0.650 particles/gram), while the lowest abundance was found at the site far from human activities (0.019 particles/gram). Mangrove density varied among observation points and contributed to sediment retention; however, microplastic abundance was not determined solely by vegetation density. Human activities, particularly those related to settlements and tourism, appeared to play a substantial role in increasing microplastic inputs into the mangrove ecosystem. These findings highlight the ecological function of mangroves as natural traps for microplastics and emphasize the need for improved coastal waste management and mangrove conservation to reduce microplastic contamination in coastal environments.

The Effect of Oral Polyethylene Microplastic Doses on Femoral Bone Cell Profiles in Wistar Rats

Nixon Adrian Wijaya — 2026-07-21

Microplastics pose a potential health risk because they can enter the body orally and accumulate in various organs, including bone, potentially disrupting bone homeostasis through oxidative stress and inflammation. This study aimed to analyze the effect of oral polyethylene microplastic exposure on the femoral bone cell profile of Wistar strain Rattus norvegicus. A laboratory experimental study with a post-test only control group design was conducted using 28 male Wistar rats divided into four groups: control (X0) and treatment groups receiving LDPE microplastics (≤20 µm) at doses of 1.25 mg/day (X1), 2.5 mg/day (X2), and 5 mg/day (X3) for 28 days. Femoral bones were examined histologically using HE staining, and osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts were counted. Results showed a significant increase in osteocyte and osteoclast numbers in treatment groups (p=0.002), while osteoblast numbers were not significantly different (p=0.655). Increased osteoclasts indicate enhanced bone resorption that may impair bone homeostasis.