Domestic Waste Disposal Behavior and Its Socio-Ecological Aftermath

Abstract

Domestic waste pollution in the Way Kuripan River has triggered serious ecological degradation. This study aims to analyze the physicochemical characteristics of the water and the socio-environmental impacts on the riverbank community. Using a descriptive quantitative approach, this study integrates water quality data with primary data from 98 respondents selected via purposive sampling. The results reveal an ecological decoupling phenomenon: the river's physical stability is maintained with low TSS (18 mg/L), yet it suffers from severe hypoxic pressure (DO 3 mg/L) and high organic load COD (25 mg/L), failing to meet Class I Quality Standards. Low Fecal Coliform levels (14 MPN/100mL) confirm the dominance of grey water pollutants. Socially, a critical knowledge-behavior gap was found, despite high literacy, 77% of residents discharge waste directly into the river. Spearman Rank correlation tests showed no significant relationship (p=0,120) between risk perception and behavior, confirming that pollution is driven by structural barriers, specifically the lack of sanitation infrastructure reported by 82% of respondents, rather than low awareness. This condition causes social displacement and a high prevalence of health complaints (94%).

Keywords: Grey water, River water quality, Structural barriers, Knowledge-behavior gap, Way Kuripan River.