Analysis Of River Water Quality And Skin Problems In Asahan River Users Community Kuala Silo Bestari Tanjung Balai Utara 2020

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Analysis of River Water Quality and Skin Problems in Asahan River Users Community Kuala Silo Bestari Tanjung Balai Utara 2020

Introduction

Water quality is a critical aspect of public health, and its impact on human well-being cannot be overstated. The condition of water quality is determined by various physical, chemical, and biological parameters, which are compared to specified water quality standards. In the context of this research, the Asahan River in Kuala Silo Bestari Village, Tanjung Balai Utara, has become a focal point due to its poor water quality and the resulting health complaints among its users. This study aims to analyze the river water quality using appropriate parameters based on the Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 82 of 2001 and evaluate skin health complaints experienced by river water users.

Background

The Asahan River has become a location for waste disposal, resulting in turbid water conditions. Despite this, people in Kuala Silo Bestari Village still use water from the Asahan River for daily needs. The use of water that does not meet health requirements has the potential to cause various disease complaints among its users. The Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 82 of 2001 concerning Management of Water Quality and Control of Water Pollution emphasizes the importance of maintaining water quality to prevent the spread of diseases.

Methodology

Data collection was carried out through interview methods and laboratory examination techniques. The parameters analyzed include temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), PH, and total number of coliforms and E. coli. The results of the analysis show that of the three water sample points in Kuala Silo Bestari Village, the assessment of physical parameters gets a score of 0, which means that the value meets quality standards. However, the assessment of chemical parameters gets a score of -22, which shows that water quality is included in the category of moderate polluted.

Results

The assessment of microbiological parameters also obtained a score of 0, which means meeting quality standards. Even so, the people around the Asahan River experienced some health complaints, especially skin problems. Of the 23 samples studied, as many as 6 respondents (26.09%) experienced skin diseases such as scabies. In addition, several other skin diseases appear with low intensity (less than 15%), while diarrhea is one of the most common diseases in the community, with a prevalence of 17.39%.

Discussion

Poor water quality can trigger a variety of health problems, especially for people who depend on these water sources for daily life. In the case of Kuala Silo Bestari Village, although some physical and microbiological parameters show results that meet the standards, negative chemical assessments are a serious concern. This indicates that the existence of contamination that can potentially endanger public health.

Reported skin problems, such as scabies, can be triggered by inappropriate water quality and poor sanitation. This condition is often exacerbated by lack of access to clean water and health facilities. Therefore, it is essential for the local government to identify sources of pollution, improve sanitation infrastructure, and provide alternative sources of clean water.

Conclusion

This study shows that the quality of water and public health is interrelated. Improvement in the management of water quality and appropriate preventive measures can improve the quality of life of the community, especially in areas that still depend on natural water sources such as rivers. The findings of this study highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue of poor water quality and its impact on public health.

Recommendations

  1. Improvement of Sanitation Infrastructure: The local government should prioritize the improvement of sanitation infrastructure to prevent the contamination of the Asahan River.
  2. Provision of Alternative Sources of Clean Water: Alternative sources of clean water should be provided to the community to reduce dependence on the Asahan River.
  3. Education and Awareness: Education and awareness programs should be implemented to inform the public about the impact of contaminated water use and how to maintain environmental cleanliness.
  4. Preventive Measures: Preventive measures should be taken to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, such as the use of water treatment facilities and proper waste management.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that the health risks experienced by the Asahan river water user community can be reduced, and the quality of life of the community can be improved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about River Water Quality and Skin Problems in Asahan River Users Community Kuala Silo Bestari Tanjung Balai Utara 2020

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to analyze the river water quality using appropriate parameters based on the Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 82 of 2001 and evaluate skin health complaints experienced by river water users.

Q: What are the parameters analyzed in this study?

A: The parameters analyzed in this study include temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), PH, and total number of coliforms and E. coli.

Q: What are the results of the analysis?

A: The results of the analysis show that of the three water sample points in Kuala Silo Bestari Village, the assessment of physical parameters gets a score of 0, which means that the value meets quality standards. However, the assessment of chemical parameters gets a score of -22, which shows that water quality is included in the category of moderate polluted.

Q: What are the health complaints experienced by the river water users?

A: The people around the Asahan River experienced some health complaints, especially skin problems. Of the 23 samples studied, as many as 6 respondents (26.09%) experienced skin diseases such as scabies. In addition, several other skin diseases appear with low intensity (less than 15%), while diarrhea is one of the most common diseases in the community, with a prevalence of 17.39%.

Q: What are the causes of skin problems experienced by the river water users?

A: Reported skin problems, such as scabies, can be triggered by inappropriate water quality and poor sanitation. This condition is often exacerbated by lack of access to clean water and health facilities.

Q: What are the recommendations to address the issue of poor water quality and its impact on public health?

A: The recommendations to address the issue of poor water quality and its impact on public health include:

  1. Improvement of Sanitation Infrastructure: The local government should prioritize the improvement of sanitation infrastructure to prevent the contamination of the Asahan River.
  2. Provision of Alternative Sources of Clean Water: Alternative sources of clean water should be provided to the community to reduce dependence on the Asahan River.
  3. Education and Awareness: Education and awareness programs should be implemented to inform the public about the impact of contaminated water use and how to maintain environmental cleanliness.
  4. Preventive Measures: Preventive measures should be taken to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, such as the use of water treatment facilities and proper waste management.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The findings of this study highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue of poor water quality and its impact on public health. The study emphasizes the importance of improving sanitation infrastructure, providing alternative sources of clean water, educating the public, and taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: The future directions of this study include:

  1. Continued Monitoring of Water Quality: Continued monitoring of water quality to assess the effectiveness of the recommendations and identify areas for improvement.
  2. Implementation of Recommendations: Implementation of the recommendations to address the issue of poor water quality and its impact on public health.
  3. Evaluation of Health Outcomes: Evaluation of health outcomes to assess the impact of the recommendations on public health.

By addressing the issue of poor water quality and its impact on public health, it is expected that the health risks experienced by the Asahan river water user community can be reduced, and the quality of life of the community can be improved.