Environmental Pollution Journal

Association Between Cadmium and Nickel Levels in Urine and Cardiovascular Risk in Female Waste Workers

Ni Luh Made Kartika Nariswari — 2026-11-02

Female waste workers are at risk of exposure to cadmium and nickel, which can affect hematological and inflammatory biomarkers and potentially influence cardiovascular risk. This study aims to analyze the relationship between cadmium and nickel levels in urine and MCV, RDW-SD, and PCT in female waste workers. Using a cross-sectional design and a biomonitoring approach, the analysis was conducted by measuring heavy metal levels in urine and hematological and inflammatory biomarkers through complete blood tests. The results showed that cadmium decreased MCV and RDW-SD, while cadmium and nickel increased PCT as an indicator of systemic inflammation. Thus, although changes in MCV and RDW-SD do not directly increase cardiovascular risk, increased PCT confirms the potential toxic effects of heavy metals on the cardiovascular system.

Association Between Urinary BPA and BPF Levels and Inflammatory Responses in Female Waste Workers

Muhammad Faizul Adhim — 2026-11-02

Female waste workers are at high risk of exposure to bisphenol compounds from plastic waste, which can potentially affect the immune system. This study aims to analyze the relationship between urinary Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol F (BPF) levels and inflammatory responses as measured by White Blood Cells and absolute neutrophil counts. An analytical, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 35 female workers in waste management facilities. BPA and BPF levels were analyzed using LC-MS/MS, while hematological parameters were examined using an automated hematology analyzer. The results showed that BPF was associated with an increase in absolute neutrophil counts as an indicator of innate inflammatory activation, while BPA did not show a similar relationship. These findings indicate that BPA replacement analogues are not necessarily safer for the immune system. Occupational health protection efforts and regular monitoring of exposure biomarkers are needed in high-risk worker groups.

Analysis of Microplastic Characteristics and Abundance in the Waters of Youtefa Bay, Jayapura City, Papua

Tamara Louraine Jeanette Kainama — 2026-11-04

Microplastics are persistent pollutants that can be readily dispersed by ocean currents and have the potential to accumulate in the water column, sediments, and marine organisms. Youtefa Bay is surrounded by densely populated settlements, tourism activities, marine transportation, and ongoing development that supports local livelihoods. The accumulation of microplastics in marine organisms may cause ecological and toxicological impacts and may also have implications for seafood safety among coastal communities. The research conducted at Youtefa Bay with methods included sample collection, sample extraction, sample filtration, microplastic identification, and abundance analysis. The results showed that a total of 1,463 microplastic particles were identified across the three sampling stations, with total microplastic abundance is 5,852 particles/m³. The microplastics identified consisted of fiber, fragments , film , pellets , and foam. Based on colour, seven variations were identified, namely red, brown, transparent, grey, blue, yellow, and green.

The Relationship between Urinary Exposure to PAHs (1-Hydroxyphenanthrene) and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Female Waste Workers

Aulia Rizky Imelda Wardhani — 2026-11-02

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from open waste burning and contaminated dust at temporary waste collection sites (TPS) may trigger systemic inflammation, particularly among female workers routinely exposed. This study assessed the
association between urinary 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (OHPHE1), a biomarker of PAHs exposure, and white blood cell (WBC) count, an indicator of systemic inammation. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 35 female waste-sorting workers at TPS. Urinary PAHs metabolites (OHPHE1, OHPHE2, OHNAP) were measured in urine, and WBC counts were obtained from blood examinations. Spearman correlation showed a significant positive association between urinary OHPHE1 and WBC count. OHPHE2
showed a positive trend that did not reach statistical significance, whereas OHNAP showed no association. These results suggest that PAHs exposure, particularly as reflected by OHPHE1, may contribute to systemic inflammation among female TPS workers. Reducing
open burning, improving personal protective equipment use, and implementing routine biomonitoring-based health surveillance are recommended.

Analysis of the Association between Education and Public Understanding of Air Pollution in Serang City

Ikhsan Gatot Aji Prasetio — 2026-11-02

Air pollution is an important environmental and public health issue in urban areas, including Serang City. This study aimed to analyse the association between education level and public understanding of air pollution. A quantitative approach was applied using a validated and reliable questionnaire administered to 400 respondents in Serang City. The instrument consisted of nine items measured on a five-point Likert scale. Validity and reliability were assessed using Pearson correlation and Cronbach's alpha, respectively, and the data were analysed using the Spearman Rank correlation test. The results showed no significant association between education level and public understanding of air pollution. These findings indicate that formal education alone does not determine public understanding of air pollution. Therefore, efforts to improve public understanding should extend beyond formal education through accessible environmental information, public education, digital platforms, and community-based initiatives.

Cadmium Exposure and Neutrophil Count as Indicators of Immunotoxicity Among Female Waste Workers

Eka Dahlia Gunawan — 2026-11-02

Cadmium exposure in female waste workers is an environmental health issue that has the potential to cause immune system disorders. This study aims to analyze the relationship between blood cadmium levels and neutrophil counts as an indicator of immunotoxicity. The study used a cross-sectional analytical observational design on female waste pickers working at waste collection sites (TPS) and final procesing sites (TPA). Cadmium levels were measured through blood samples, while neutrophil counts were obtained from routine hematology tests. Data analysis was performed using nonparametric correlation tests. The results showed a significant negative relationship between cadmium levels and neutrophil counts, indicating the potential for immunotoxic effects due to chronic cadmium exposure. It is recommended to conduct regular health monitoring, increase the use of personal protective equipment, and control cadmium exposure in the work environment.

Association Between OPFR Levels and Metabolic Dysfunction Risk Among Female Waste Workers

Aiskha Hasna Badriya — 2026-11-02

Exposure to organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) is positioned as an environmental determinant that potentially contributes to metabolic regulation disorders through endocrine disruption mechanisms. This study empirically examines the relationship between urinary OPFR levels, represented by diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), and the risk of metabolic dysfunction in female waste workers, a highly exposed occupational group. Using a cross-sectional design and a biomonitoring approach, the analysis shows that elevated DPHP levels significantly correlate with the accumulated risk of metabolic dysfunction, although not fully reflected in individual clinical indicators. These results indicate that the effects of environmental exposure are latent and more sensitive to detection through composite indicators than single parameters, while also emphasizing the urgency of integrating environmental biomarkers into occupational health monitoring in vulnerable populations.