Kualitas Air dan Keluhan Kesehatan Pengguna Air Danau Toba di Sekitar Keramba Jaring Apung Kecamatan Silahisabungan

Abstract

The water quality of Lake Toba in Silahisabungan Subdistrict has declined due to fish farming activities using floating net cages (KJA), household waste disposal, and other community activities. Contaminated water can cause health problems, including skin complaints among KJA workers who frequently have direct contact with the water. This study aims to analyze water quality and skin complaints among KJA workers in Silahisabungan Subdistrict. This research is descriptive analytic with a cross-sectional design. The population consists of all KJA workers, with a total sample of 96 people selected using purposive sampling with the Lemeshow formula. Water samples were taken from four points: around the KJA in Paropo 1 and Silalahi III, as well as the clean water sources used by workers in both locations. Water quality testing was carried out based on physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. The results showed that four parameters exceeded the quality standards according to the Regulation of the Minister of Health No. 2 of 2023 and Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021, namely turbidity, odor, pH, and total coliform. Out of 96 respondents, 68 people (75%) reported skin complaints. Based on these results, it is recommended to regularly monitor water quality and implement environmentally friendly fish farming practices to protect the water ecosystem and prevent health problems. Keywords: Water quality, skin complaints, workers