1- Department of Health Environment, Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health Jambi, Indonesia , krisdiyanta0@gmail.com
2- Department of Health Environment, Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health Jambi, Indonesia
Abstract: (49 Views)
Background: Inadequate management and open combustion of plastic waste emit hazardous substances like dioxins and furans, posing significant risks to both environmental quality and human health.
Aims: This study aimed to develop and evaluate an eco-friendly plastic waste melting device equipped with an Air Cleaner Water Bath (ACWB) system as an alternative solution for reducing dioxin emissions during the plastic melting process.
Materials & Methods: An experimental pre-post test-only group design was conducted at the Health Polytechnic of Jambi. Dioxin concentrations were measured before and after the application of the ACWB system during the melting of three plastic types: bags, cups, and bottles. Gas analysis was conducted utilizing High-Resolution Gas Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRGC–HRMS). Data were statistically tested using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and one-way ANOVA.
Results: The ACWB system significantly reduced dioxin concentrations across all plastic types. Mean emissions decreased from 0.25 to 0.12 ng.nm-3 for plastic bags, 0.29 to 0.09 ng.nm-3 for plastic cups, and 0.25 to 0.12 ng.nm-3 for plastic bottles (all p = 0.001). Post-treatment dioxin levels were below the national emission threshold of 0.1 ng.nm-3. Unlike conventional wet scrubbers and activated carbon filters, the ACWB operates using a simple water-lime mixture, offering cost efficiency, ease of use, and effective chemical neutralization without the need for complex circulation or frequent material replacement.
Conclusion: The modified plastic waste melter with ACWB is a promising alternative for reducing toxic emissions. It demonstrates effective and affordable dioxin control, with potential applications in safer, small-scale plastic waste processing.
Article Type:
Original Research |
Subject:
Waste Management and Ecology Received: 2025/03/26 | Revised: 2025/06/25 | Accepted: 2025/06/2 | Published: 2025/03/10
* Corresponding Author Address: H. Agus Salim No.08 Kotabaru Jambi (36128), Kota jambi, Indonesia |