University of Bengkulu

Soil degradation represents a critical environmental concern in tropical highland horticultural systems, where intensive land use and high agrochemical inputs are common management practices. This study evaluates multidimensional soil condition using an integrated Soil Quality Index (SQI) framework that combines physical, chemical, and contamination-related indicators (including Pb, Cd, and Ni) within an Analytic Network Process (ANP) weighting structure. The research was conducted in two intensively cultivated horticultural villages in West Java, Indonesia. A total of 63 composite soil samples (0–20 cm depth) were collected across six major crop systems representing different agrochemical input intensities. Indicator selection was based on statistical screening, followed by ANP-derived weighting using structured expert elicitation to account for interdependencies among soil attributes. SQI scores were calculated through normalized weighted aggregation and classified on a 0–10 scale, where lower values indicate poorer soil condition. SQI values ranged from 3.0 to 3.9, with the lowest values recorded in chili and tomato plots and the highest in pakcoy and leek plots. A statistically significant moderate-to-strong negative association was identified between total agrochemical input intensity and SQI (r = –0.64, p < 0.01). Conversely, SQI exhibited a strong positive correlation with horticultural productivity (r = 0.94–0.97; R2 = 0.88–0.94; p < 0.05). Rather than implying direct causality, these findings suggest that intensified agrochemical management is strongly associated with reduced multidimensional soil quality. The ANP-based SQI model integrates contamination indicators and yield validation, offering a context-sensitive diagnostic framework for monitoring soil health, optimizing input management, and promoting sustainable horticultural practices in tropical highland ecosystems.

Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province, Indonesia, is situated directly along the Ketahun Segment of the Sumatra Fault, where near-fault ground motion effects and site amplification pose substantial seismic risk. High-density shear-wave velocity (Vs) datasets integrated with spatial amplification modelling remain scarce in fault-controlled sedimentary basins in Indonesia. This study establishes a high-resolution engineering seismic microzonation framework using 457 investigated points distributed across 12 subdistricts. Data processing was performed to obtain detailed subsurface Vs profiles and Vs30 values, followed by spatial interpolation using inverse distance weighting to generate continuous maps of soil site class and ground amplification factors. The findings indicate that extensive areas are dominated by Site Class D with low to moderate Vs30 values, reflecting soft sedimentary deposits with reduced shear stiffness. These conditions produce elevated amplification factors, highlighting significant near-surface modification of input ground motion and increased structural demand under strong earthquakes. By coupling dense field-based Vs profiling with quantitative spatial hazard assessment, this study advances regional-scale microzonation practice. It provides a robust geotechnical basis for seismic risk-informed spatial planning, foundation design, and infrastructure resilience in near-fault environments.

The increasing demand for cement in the construction industry has intensified the depletion of natural resources and accelerated environmental impacts associated with cement production, including high CO2 emissions. Simultaneously, the ceramic tile manufacturing process generates substantial amounts of waste, particularly sludge waste and rectified tile waste, which are typically discarded despite their high silica and alumina contents. This study examines the potential of utilizing ceramic tile waste as a partial replacement for cement in mortar formulations, promoting sustainable material use. XRF and XRD analyses revealed substantial SiO2 concentrations in both waste types, indicating suitability for pozzolanic reactions. Mortar samples containing varied amounts of tile waste were examined for physical properties, compressive strength, and microstructural characteristics. The replacement of 50 % of cement with rectified tile waste significantly enhanced long-term strength, surpassing that of the 100 % cement control at 28 days, due to improved pozzolanic activity and a denser microstructure. Conversely, the replacement of sludge waste led to reduced strength due to higher porosity and weaker hydration. Further investigation of rectified tile waste at replacement levels of 30-70 % confirmed that 50 % substitution provides the optimum balance between strength performance and material sustainability. Microstructural analysis with SEM confirmed these findings, revealing well-formed C-S-H and reduced pore spaces at the optimal replacement ratio. Overall, rectified tile waste demonstrates strong potential as a sustainable cement replacement material, offering reductions in cement consumption, CO2 emissions, and ceramic waste disposal while maintaining or improving mechanical performance.

This study reports the successful and eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles using Elaeis guineensis Jacq (EG) leaf extract. This method is a key novelty, as EG leaf are typically considered waste. Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids and flavonoids in the EG leaf extract, which served as a natural base source, capping agent, and particle growth controller for preventing agglomeration. The nanoparticles results exhibited spherical morphology and high crystallinity, with average crystallite sizes of 35.27 nm (ZnO) and 42.30 nm (TiO2). Optical characterization desirable band gap values of 3.33 eV (ZnO) and 3.20 eV (TiO2). Importantly, UV-protection calculations demonstrated that the ZnO nanoparticles achieved a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 35.24, and the TiO2 nanoparticles achieved an SPF of 25.94. The results indicate that the EG leaf extract synthesized ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles are promising and effective active UVB-protection agents for use in sunscreen products formulation.

The contamination of water resources by hazardous components, including toxic anions, such as oxo anions (CrO42- and Cr2O72-), fluoride (F-), cyanide (CN-), phosphate (PO43-), nitrite (NO2-), hypochlorite and, perchlorate (ClO- and ClO4-), and carbonate ions (CO32- ), poses a serious threat to global public health and ecological stability. Among various analytical techniques, fluorescence-based sensing has emerged as a key method due to its high sensitivity, rapid response, and potential for "on-the-spot" monitoring. Recently, the University of Oslo (UiO) has developed Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), specifically the functionalized UiO-66, UiO-67, and UiO-68, with UiO-66 and its derivatives garnering significant attention as superior fluorescence platforms for ion detection in aqueous environments. The anion-sensing mechanism in aqueous media is analyzed in depth, including fluorescence quenching and enhancement phenomena. Specific interactions such as hydrogen bonding, ligand deprotonation, and electron transfer between target anions and the UiO framework are key to selectivity. Finally, we provide a critical overview of the challenges and future perspectives of MOFs-UiO-66 in water sensing, discussing the transition from laboratory-scale powders to integrated portable devices, such as thin-film sensors and paper-based test strips. By bridging the gap between material synthesis and practical environmental applications, this review serves as a roadmap for developing the next generation of highly stable, recyclable, and highly sensitive MOF-based fluorescent sensors for water quality monitoring.