An overview of technologies suitable for handling Indonesian agricultural soils contaminated with persistent organic pollutants

Since Indonesia have signed and ratified Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in 2009, the country must make efforts to manage POPs appropriately. A number of pollution evident of POPs has occurred in Indonesia, either air, soil or water. Agricultural soils are not excluded from POPs pollution as the result of halogenated pesticide uses or other unidentified sources. Contamination of POPs to humans have been detected, as well as indicated potential exposure of POPs to humans. Based-catalyzed decomposition is a method that can be used to decompose or decontaminate POPs. Limestone can be processed to produce calcium-based catalyst that can apply for POPs decomposition. Indonesia is a country rich in limestone natural resources to produce calcium. However, calcium is inferior to sodium or potassium in reactivity for the dehalogenation of POPs. Thus, more evaluation is needed in order for synthesizing proper and economical calcium-based catalyst to alleviate POPs pollution in Indonesia.

Health Risk Due to Carbamate Exposure in Communities Around Paddy Field Areas

Introduction: Carbamate is one of the most widely used pesticides in paddy field areas, which causes environmental pollution and human health problems. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the health risks of carbamate exposure in communities around paddy fields areas. Methods: This was an observational analysis study conducted using the health risk assessment approach. There were 20 samples of waterway streams from 10 sites observed in the morning (at high tide) and evening (at low tide) taken using a grab sampling method. The parameters of the waterway streams river, such as pH and temperature, were measured on-site using a pH meter and portable thermometer, while the carbamate concentration was analysed in the laboratory using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results and Discussion: The active ingredients of carbamate pesticides that observed as follows: aldicarb (0 – 0.05 mg/l), carbaryl (0 – 0.01 mg/l), carbofuran (0-0.005 mg/l), and propoxur (0-0.001 mg/l). While the pH (6.4 – 7.5) and temperature (22.1 – 32.4oC). The potential exposure of Aldicarb in grown-up and kids were 0.042 and 0.077 mg/kg bodyweight-day, respectively. Furthermore, the potential exposure of carbofuran in Grown-ups and kids were 0.004 and 0.01 mg/kg bodyweight-day, respectively. Only the carbofuran exposure in kids has a rate of RQ > 1, which is unsafe or can cause non-carcinogenic effects in the next 30 years. Conclusion: Although the carbamate concentrations in waterway streams around paddy field areas were below the quality standard, it is not safe. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out risk management and communication with local policymakers.

Exploring airshed and watershed exposure pathways as mediators of the association between proximity to surface mining and adverse birth outcomes in Central Appalachia

Background Previous work has determined an association between proximity to active surface mining in coal producing counties within Central Appalachia and an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW); however, the relative importance of specific exposure pathways explaining this association remains poorly understood. Multiple potential exposure pathways to surface mining activities exist during gestation, including inhalation of particulate matter (airshed exposure), or via exposure to impacted surface waters (watershed exposure). Here, we perform a mediation analysis to explore these pathways and the odds of adverse birth outcomes. Methods We obtained birth records acquired through health departments in WV, KY, VA and TN between 1990 and 2015. Surface mine extents for each year were identified through remotely sensed Landsat imagery. Corresponding airsheds were estimated using the HYSPLIT4 atmospheric trajectory model, while watersheds were assigned using United States Geological Survey’s Watershed Boundary Dataset boundaries. We performed logistic regression to determine associations between exposure and the odds of preterm birth, low birthweight, and term low birthweight, and iteratively included within our models: a) the percent of active surface mining landcover within a 5 km buffer of maternal residence; b) the cumulative potential exposure to air pollutants via the airshed experienced at the maternal residence, and; c) the percent of land experiencing surface mining within the watershed of residency. Results Our baseline models found that active surface mining was associated with an increased odds of PTB (1.09, 1.05 – 1.13) and LBW (1.06, 1.02 – 1.11), while controlling for significant predictors. When mediators were added to the base model, the association between active mining and birth outcomes was reduced (PTB: 1.04, 0.99 – 1.09; LBW 1.04, 0.99 – 1.10), while the odds of PTB and LBW increased with airshed exposure (PTB: 1.14, 1.11 – 1.18; LBW: 1.06, 1.03 – 1.10). Conclusions Results were consistent with a hypothesis of mediation via airshed, but suggested mediation via watershed was less likely. These results suggest that air pollution resulting from surface mining activities may be the primary exposure pathway explaining the association between maternal residence proximity to active surface mining and PTB and LBW.