Impact of latex coagulant various from rubber industry in South Sumatera

Abstract

Rubber commodity is one of the superior commodities in South Sumatra. The main problem of the rubber industry that remains unsolved is that the product has a low quality due to poor handling of its raw material. Most farmers, in South Sumatera, often uses coagulant that are not recommended, namely sulfuric acid or para vinegar, alum, TSP fertilizer, a combination of para and alum vinegar, and others such as yam, and tempe washing water. Para vinegar, TSP fertilizer, alum and pineapple/ pineapple juice are acidic which cause smells of ammonia and sulfides. The liquid waste generated in the material process pollutes the environment if it is not properly intervened. Material handling in a rubber factory causes several illnesses for workers. However, the correlation of pollutants with these illnesses are not yet and become the focal point of this report.