River pollution in urban Padang has significantly changed community behavior patterns while triggering various forms of social adaptation in densely populated settlements, according to a study conducted by Irwan Irwan, Anisa Putri, Fadhia Gina Putri, Yayank Jupita Sari, and Froilan D Mobo. Published in 2026 in the International Journal of Education and Life Sciences (IJELS), the research examines the condition of the Kalimati River in Berok Nipah Village, Padang Barat Subdistrict, Padang City, where environmental quality has deteriorated due to domestic and small-scale industrial waste.
The study found that the river, once considered a vital source of life for the local community, now experiences mild to moderate pollution, with Pollution Index values reaching 2.126 in several segments. Household waste, market activities, and small industries were identified as the primary pollution sources, contributing more than 80 percent of the total waste entering the river system.
In addition to organic pollution, the researchers also identified high levels of microplastics and textile-related waste in the Batang Arau River flowing through Padang Barat. According to the water quality data presented in the study, microplastics were the dominant pollutant in 2022, with 144 recorded findings, followed by flamen waste with 125 cases.
A table presented on page 5 of the study further shows that only two out of six water quality monitoring points along the Batang Arau River met environmental quality standards. The remaining four locations were classified as polluted, with pollution index scores ranging from 1.1 to 1.65.
According to the researchers, these environmental conditions are strongly influenced by social and economic realities in Berok Nipah. Residents remain highly dependent on the river for daily activities such as bathing, washing, and waste disposal. Limited access to clean water, inadequate sanitation facilities, and low household income levels have forced many residents to continue relying on the polluted river despite declining water quality.
The study identified several dominant community behavior patterns:
- continued dependence on the river for water and waste disposal,
- low environmental awareness,
- limited public participation in river-cleaning activities,
- and pragmatic lifestyles shaped by economic hardship.
Despite these challenges, local communities have also developed various social adaptation strategies to cope with worsening environmental conditions. One of the most visible responses is collective community clean-up activities organized periodically by local residents along the riverbanks.
Residents have also begun constructing vertical housing along the riverbanks as a solution to limited land availability. In addition, several community groups are developing urban farming initiatives and vertical vegetable gardens to strengthen household food security in densely populated environments.
Other adaptation efforts include independent household waste management systems, such as simple septic tank construction and environmental awareness campaigns promoting river cleanliness. Although still limited in scale, these initiatives are gradually encouraging behavioral changes among some residents.
The research employed a qualitative approach using participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and field documentation in Berok Nipah Village. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model to map the relationship between community behavior, river pollution, and emerging social adaptation strategies.
According to the researchers, the Berok Nipah case demonstrates that river pollution is not merely an environmental technical issue, but also a social and cultural urban challenge. Addressing the problem requires a holistic approach that integrates sanitation development, community empowerment, sustainable waste management, and environmental education.
The findings are considered important for local governments and urban policymakers across Indonesia, particularly in addressing pollution problems in densely populated riverside areas. The study emphasizes that successful river restoration depends heavily on active community participation, adequate sanitation infrastructure, and long-term sustainable environmental policies.
Author Profiles
- Irwan Irwan - Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat
- Anisa Putri- Fadhia Gina Putri- Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat
- Yayank Jupita Sari -Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat
Research Source
Irwan, Putri, A., Putri, F.G., Sari, Y.J., & Mobo, F.D. (2026). Community Behavior Patterns and Social Adaptation Strategies Due to River Pollution in Berok Nipah Village, Padang Barat Subdistrict, Padang City. International Journal of Education and Life Sciences (IJELS), Vol. 4 No. 4, 393–404.
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