Green Betel Leaf and Lemongrass Extracts as Sustainable Disinfectants - Optimizing Dosage and Environmental Impact for Medical Waste Recycling

This study investigates the efficacy of green betel leaf (Piper betle Linn) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extracts as natural disinfectants in the medical waste recycling process in Indonesia. The research aims to provide a sustainable alternative to chemical disinfectants, such as chlorine, by optimizing the dosage and contact time for effective microbial reduction. The study focused on the disinfection of Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus as bioindicators, evaluating the impact of varying disinfectant concentrations on key environmental parameters, including pH, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDS). The findings indicate that a 0.5% concentration with a 30-minute contact time is optimal for reducing Bacillus subtilis, while higher concentrations are required for effective Staphylococcus reduction. Additionally, the study reveals that higher disinfectant concentrations lower pH and increase TDS, posing potential challenges for wastewater management. These results highlight the potential of natural disinfectants to enhance the sustainability of medical waste management practices in Indonesia, though further research is needed to address the environmental and regulatory challenges associated with their use.