Students of the Master of Environmental Science Program, Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted the Environmental Water Pollution Mini Project as part of the Environmental Hydrology course. This activity aimed to apply concepts of hydrology and water pollution through field-based research on various water bodies experiencing environmental pressures caused by human activities. The students were divided into five groups, each assigned to different locations and research focuses, resulting in five case studies that illustrate diverse water quality issues across Yogyakarta, Surakarta, and Bantul.
1. Social-Ecological Adaptation of Communities Along the Code River
The first group investigated the relationship between the water quality of the Code River and the adaptive capacity of riverside communities in responding to environmental changes. The study was conducted in Jogoyudan Village, Yogyakarta City, an area showing visible signs of pollution, including changes in water color, unpleasant odors, and increased turbidity. The Code River has been subjected to growing environmental pressures resulting from urbanization, population growth, and the disposal of domestic wastewater and solid waste.
The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining physical and chemical water quality measurements at two observation points with community observations, interviews, and questionnaires. The study aimed to understand community adaptive capacity through activities such as collective clean-up efforts, greening initiatives, waste management practices, and environmental awareness programs. The findings highlight the importance of community participation in maintaining the social-ecological resilience of riverside areas.
2. Water Quality Assessment of the Pepe River, Surakarta
The second group conducted an assessment of water quality in the Pepe River, Surakarta, focusing on identifying pollution sources and mapping pollution levels. Observations were carried out along approximately 6.88 kilometers of the downstream river segment using a multiparameter instrument to measure various water quality indicators and inventory pollution sources originating from domestic, commercial, and small-scale industrial activities.
The results revealed distinct pollution characteristics along different river sections. Around the Tirtonadi Terminal area, pollution was dominated by solid waste accumulation. In the middle section, wastewater from tofu-processing industries and domestic sources contributed to darker water coloration and strong odors. In the downstream segment, pollution mainly originated from densely populated residential areas and student boarding houses. Although several parameters remained within regulatory standards, high turbidity levels and declining oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) values indicated substantial organic matter accumulation. Further analysis was conducted using the Pollution Index method and QGIS-based spatial mapping.
3. Water Pollution Assessment in the Mataram Canal
The third group examined the water quality condition of the Mataram Canal, an irrigation channel increasingly affected by urbanization pressures. Observations were conducted at two locations: Seturan, representing the upstream section characterized by intensive laundry business activities, and Kalasan, representing the downstream section receiving cumulative pollution loads. The study employed water sampling, visual observations, and interviews with local residents and laundry business operators.
Field observations indicated changes in water color to a murky brown, fishy odors, the presence of detergent foam, and the accumulation of domestic solid waste. Interviews also explored information regarding the use of cleaning chemicals, business operation volumes, the availability of wastewater treatment facilities, and environmental awareness among local communities. The findings are expected to provide insights into the contribution of domestic activities to the degradation of water quality in urban irrigation channels.
4. Trend Analysis of Water Quality in the Gajah Wong River
The fourth group investigated changes in the water quality of the Gajah Wong River using environmental management data from Yogyakarta City covering the period 2019–2025, complemented by field observations. The study focused on verifying physical river conditions, identifying pollution sources, and evaluating water quality management policies.
The team surveyed approximately 6.4 kilometers of the river and identified various indications of anthropogenic pressures, including the direct discharge of domestic and commercial wastewater into the river. In addition to physical observations, interviews were conducted with officials from the Yogyakarta City Environmental Agency to obtain information regarding water quality monitoring programs and management efforts.
5. Evaluation of Sewon Wastewater Treatment Plant Efficiency and Its Socio-Ecological Impacts
The fifth group conducted research at the Sewon Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Bantul, which serves as the centralized sanitation system for the Kartamantul region. The study focused on evaluating wastewater treatment performance, assessing the water quality of the Bedog River as the receiving water body, and examining socio-ecological impacts on surrounding communities.
Research activities included field observations, water quality measurements at influent and effluent points, testing of residents’ well water samples, and interviews with plant operators and affected communities. The evaluation also covered the implementation of Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) technology used to enhance wastewater treatment efficiency. The study is expected to generate recommendations regarding methane utilization, sludge management optimization, and the strengthening of sustainable environmental management practices.
Conclusion
Overall, this mini project demonstrates that urban water bodies continue to face significant pollution pressures originating from domestic wastewater, commercial activities, small-scale industries, and expanding residential developments. Through a combination of technical measurements, social analyses, and field observations, students gained valuable hands-on experience in identifying water quality issues and formulating sustainable environmental management alternatives.
Furthermore, this initiative contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through efforts to improve water resource quality, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through the promotion of sustainable urban environmental management, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through strengthening community adaptive capacity to environmental changes, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems that are essential for environmental sustainability.
Author: Muhammad Aqil Ghufron Emeraldi