Clean water as the source of life is a basic need for the entire environmental ecosystem. In this case, students of the Environmental Science Program try to explore the water conditions in the Special Region of Yogyakarta in the Environmental Hydrology course taught by lecturer Dr. Margaretha Widyastuti, M.T.
Students are divided into several groups to carry out mini projects to observe the conditions of groundwater and rivers. Several areas targeted in this research such as the area around the Segoroyoso Slaughterhouse, the shrimp pond area at the Trisik and Pandansimo estuaries, the Winongo river area, and the areas in the Gajah Wong River and Kali Code.
Students explore the conditions of groundwater and rivers with a series of activities starting from proposing research themes, the process of compiling proposals, sampling, to comprehensive analysis of groundwater. This series of activities will take place in April-May 2025.
“I consider this mini project a very valuable learning experience, especially in understanding firsthand the condition of water quality in the environment around the Piyungan Final Disposal Site (TPA). The activity of taking samples of leachate and river water, I can see in real terms how human activities, especially waste management, have an impact on environmental quality,” said Rahel Eni, one of the students of the Environmental Science Masters Program.
The findings of this mini project are compiled in a report that documented the current condition of water quality in the area studied, but also provides recommendations for improving water management practices. This aims to represent the findings to encourage policies regarding sustainable water use and conservation.
“I hope activities like this can continue to be carried out and even expanded in scope so that awareness of the importance of waste management and preserving water quality increases, both among students and the general public,” she concluded.
Author: Siti Muyasaroh