Jakarta, June 21, 2024 – Jakarta State University (UNJ) demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining shared aquatic ecosystems, not only through cutting-edge academic research but also through active collaborations and community service programs with local communities.

This synergy addresses critical environmental challenges, such as metal contamination in coastal areas, while fostering sustainable local stewardship.

Faculty Research Uncovers Coastal Health Risks

A significant Scopus-indexed research paper, co-authored by Yulia Irnidayanti, a Lecturer from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Jakarta State University (UNJ), highlights the potential health hazards in coastal waters.

The study, titled "An assessment of the potential health hazards associated with metal contamination in a variety of consumable species living along the industrialized coastline of East Java, Indonesia," focused on the industrialized Gresik coast.

Key Finding: The research analyzed metal concentrations (including Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn, As, Cd, Ni, Hg, and Cr) in edible fish and shrimp. While most metal levels met national and international safety limits, the concentration of Arsenic (As) in Scatophagus argus exceeded both Indonesia's permissible limit and the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI).

This research, a joint effort with Universitas Airlangga and Universiti Malaysia Sabah, provides essential data that policymakers and local health authorities can use to manage food safety and industrial waste in aquatic ecosystems.