Universitas Andalas Showcases Research on Tropical Estuary Management at International Forum 2026

Bali (ANTARA) - Ir. Regina Mardatillah, S.T., M.Env.St., a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Andalas, presented her latest research at the International Conference of Environmental Engineering (ICOEE) 2026, held on 30–31 July 2026 in Bali, Indonesia. The conference served as an international platform for researchers and practitioners to exchange scientific knowledge and explore engineering solutions that address emerging environmental challenges.

Held under the theme "Engineering Solutions for Environmental Resilience in a Changing World," ICOEE 2026 was organized by Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in collaboration with Universitas Udayana and Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar, with Universitas Andalas joining several Indonesian universities as a co-host. The event brought together academics, researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers from across the region to discuss advances in environmental engineering and sustainable development.

During the conference, Regina presented a paper entitled "Seasonal Distribution and Source Identification of Heavy Metals in a Tropical Estuary Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis: A Case Study of the Batang Arau Estuary, Indonesia," under the sub-theme Environmental Instrumentation, Modelling, and Decision Support Systems. The study was conducted through a collaborative partnership between the Department of Environmental Engineering, Universitas Andalas, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia, and United International University (UIU), Bangladesh.

Drawing on long-term monitoring data collected between 2014 and 2025, the research evaluated the seasonal behaviour and potential sources of heavy metals in the Batang Arau Estuary. The study integrated multiple assessment approaches, including the Pollution Index (PI), Water Quality Index (WQI), Cluster Analysis (CA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and correlation analysis, to examine spatial, temporal, and seasonal variations in water quality.

The findings indicate that heavy metal distribution in the estuary is governed by a combination of anthropogenic pressures—including urban development, industrial activities, market areas, and port operations—and natural geochemical processes, such as sediment deposition and redox conditions. These findings provide a scientific basis for strengthening environmental decision-support systems and improving water quality monitoring, pollution management, and sustainable estuarine governance. In a broader context, the research contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by supporting evidence-based water quality management, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through sustainable urban river management, and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting the protection and resilience of estuarine ecosystems.

According to Regina, the Batang Arau River plays a vital role in supporting Padang City's economy, transportation, fisheries, and tourism, making its long-term environmental sustainability a strategic priority.

"The sustainable management of the Batang Arau River has become increasingly important due to growing anthropogenic pressures from residential development, industrial activities, port operations, and land-use changes. These pressures may lead to declining water quality, increased heavy metal contamination, accelerated sedimentation, and degradation of the river's ecological, social, and economic functions. We hope this research will contribute to evidence-based decision-making and support more effective and sustainable estuarine management," she said.

She added that scientific research plays a critical role in supporting sustainable environmental governance, particularly in rapidly developing urban watersheds where increasing anthropogenic pressures require integrated, data-driven management approaches. Translating scientific evidence into practical environmental policies, she noted, is essential for enhancing the resilience of river and estuarine ecosystems while ensuring sustainable development for future generations.

Beyond presenting her research, Regina participated in technical sessions, scientific discussions, and networking activities with researchers and environmental professionals from different countries. These engagements fostered the exchange of knowledge, research experiences, and best practices in environmental engineering while opening opportunities for future international research collaboration and interdisciplinary partnerships. The collaborative nature of the research, involving institutions from Indonesia and Bangladesh, also reflects the importance of international partnerships in addressing complex environmental challenges, in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Participation in ICOEE 2026 reflects Universitas Andalas' continued commitment to advancing research excellence, strengthening international scientific engagement, and contributing to global sustainability initiatives. Through active participation in international scientific forums and the generation of evidence-based environmental research, the University continues to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by advancing sustainable water resources management, promoting ecosystem conservation, and fostering international research collaboration. These efforts reinforce Universitas Andalas' role in developing innovative, science-based solutions to address environmental challenges at local, regional, and global levels.

This conference participation was funded by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) on behalf of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia and managed under the EQUITY Program (Contract No. 4304/B3/DT.03.08/2025).