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 dumped into Cigulampeng river which water is 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 paddy fields soil was also conducted. Polluted water is characterized by its frequently color-changing, unpleasant odor, and 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 are chosen by farmers mostly based on their ability to withstand pollution and pest (mainly rats). Leather tanning wastewater decrease paddy production with percentage of reduction can be categorized into low (25.71%), medium (34.28%), high (34.28%), and very high (45.71%). According to farmers, the contaminated water also causes itching and burning sensation to their skin, dizziness, and nausea.