Identification of Tempeh Wastewater Quality and Analysis of Producers’ Behavior Towards Waste Management in Plaju Ulu, Palembang, South Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

The development of the household-scale tempeh industry in Plaju Ulu has the opportunity to disrupt the balance of the environmental ecosystem if it is not balanced with treatment. This study aims to identify the stages of the tempeh production process that have the potential to cause environmental pollution and to identify the behavior of tempeh producers in waste management. These efforts are necessary to immediately prevent the impacts caused by waste and to serve as a basis for determining the appropriate treatment methods. Quantitative methods were used for the identification of BOD, COD, TSS, and pH. A qualitative method was used to find out the behavior of producers. The results showed that the soaking stage produced a pH level of 3.830; TSS 22,350 mg/L; COD 27,214.1 mg/L, and BOD 224 mg/L. The washing stage produces a pH of 4.530; TSS 787.5 mg/L; COD of 1,187.2 mg/L, and BOD of 7 mg/L. The boiling stage produces pH 5.3; TSS 1,165 mg/L; COD 45,332.8 mg/L, and BOD 295 mg/L. The separation stage of soybean produces TSS 117 mg/L; COD 676,320; BOD 400 mg/L and pH level 6.930. The watering stage produces a BOD level of 160 mg/L, COD 269,84; TSS 32,3. Tempeh producers have been aware of the importance of the waste management process to maintain environmental balance, but as many as 81% of producers still dispose of waste. Keywords: