The Effect of Leather Tanning Wastewater on Paddy Fields, a case study in Garut District, West Java

Leather tanning wastewater which contains chromium (Cr) pollutes river located close to the industrial area. In Garut district, leather tanning industry wastewater is being dumped into Cigulampeng river which water is being used to irrigate nearby paddy fields. The paddy fields affected by leather tanning wastewater are reaching an area of 37.1 ha in Kota Wetan village and 76 ha in Sukamantri village. This research is aimed to determine the effect of tanning wastewater on paddy fields in Sukamantri village, Garut district. A descriptive quantitative method using questionnaires and interviews to local farmers in polluted and unpolluted paddy fields was employed. In addition, an observation on environmental factors including chemical and physical conditions of river water and soil of paddy fields was also conducted. Polluted water is characterized by its frequently color-changing, unpleasant odor, and contain toxic substances which mainly is chromium. Paddy cultivars planted in the polluted area are Rojolele (65.71%), Sarinah (42.8%), Widas (37.715%), Ciherang (20%), and Mega (11.43%). These paddy cultivars were chosen by farmers mostly based on their ability to withstand pollution and pest (mainly rats). The polluted water significantly decreased rice production, however the local farmers have no other alternatives to irrigates their paddy fields. Beside reducing rice production, the use of chromium-polluted water for irrigation has caused the farmers some health problems commonly related to skin diseases.