Environmental Engineering
A. Mallongi; A.U. Rauf; R.D.P. Astuti; S. Palutturi; H. Ishak
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The increasing population and anthropogenic activities in coastal areas affects the presence of mercury in coastal waters. Therefore, this study aims to 1) assess the ecological and human health risk of mercury contamination in coastal water; 2) analyze the effectiveness of ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The increasing population and anthropogenic activities in coastal areas affects the presence of mercury in coastal waters. Therefore, this study aims to 1) assess the ecological and human health risk of mercury contamination in coastal water; 2) analyze the effectiveness of polymer sulfur as an absorbent for mercury.METHODS: A total of fifteen water samples were obtained from the coastal areas of Makassar and were analyzed using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Ecological and human health risks were assessed using established assessment methods by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The uncertainty and sensitivity tests for independent variables in human health risk were assessed by the Monte Carlo Simulation method. Furthermore, polymer sulfur was used as a promising technique for capturing and reducing the level of mercury in the water column.FINDINGS: The results showed that the mean concentration of mercury was very high and exceeded the values established by the World Health Organization, United States of Environmental Protection Agency, and Indonesian National Standards, indicating elevated risks to the ecosystem and human health in the future. Additionally, the Monte Carlo simulation model revealed that the non-carcinogenic risk caused by mercury exposure in adults and children was greater than 1 (Total Hazard Index>1), indicating the health adverse effects for both receptors. From the simulation results, the concentration of mercury at 23.3% and exposure time of 21.3 percent were the most influential and dominant factors in non-cancer risk for adults and children, respectively. Therefore, mercury concentration needs to be reduced in coastal areas. The application of polymer sulfur is effective for reducing mercury concentration in water with a percentage reduction range of 39 – 100 percent and p-value of 0.001.CONCLUSION: Mercury contamination of coastal water in Makassar city poses ecological and health risks. The application of polymer sulfur is an effective way for reducing mercury in the water column.
Environmental Management
A. Mallongi; S. Stang; R.D.P. Astuti; A.U. Rauf; M.F. Natsir
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic exposure to fine particulate matter may cause adverse health impacts on humans. The impact of fine particulate matter collected in the industrial area was explored. Therefore, this study aimed 1) to assess the levels and spatial distribution of fine particulate ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic exposure to fine particulate matter may cause adverse health impacts on humans. The impact of fine particulate matter collected in the industrial area was explored. Therefore, this study aimed 1) to assess the levels and spatial distribution of fine particulate matter and 2) to estimate the health risks due to the exposure of fine particulate matter in the population surrounding the Maros cement industry.METHODS: Fine particulate matter measurement was carried out using direct reading HAZ-Dust Environmental Particulate Air Monitor 5000. This study used the Human Health Risk Assessment method from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to estimate health risks. The Monte Carlo Simulation model was used to estimate the uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of parameters.FINDINGS: The average fine particulate matter concentration was 23.68 micrograms per cubic meter, above the air quality guidelines of the World Health Organization. However, the Monte Carlo Simulation to assess the health risk with the 95th percentile demonstrated that children and adults are at low risk for developing adverse health effects. The result of sensitivity analysis showed that duration of exposure (27.0%) and concentration of fine particulate matter (25.7%) were the most contributing factors to health risks in adults and children, respectively. This new approach determines the critical factors with major effects on reducing the health risk of the vulnerable population.CONCLUSION: Fine particulate matter poses health risks to adults and children, despite the calculated risks are still acceptable. Thus, limiting exposure duration and maintaining fine particulate matter levels in the residential area are needed.
Environmental Management
R.D.P. Astuti; A. Mallongi; A.U. Rauf
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As a public concern, monitoring and controlling toxic metals pollution is needed worldwide. Due to the ability of poisonous metals in biomagnification and bioaccumulation, they can cause several adverse impacts on ecological and human health. The study aims to assess chromium ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As a public concern, monitoring and controlling toxic metals pollution is needed worldwide. Due to the ability of poisonous metals in biomagnification and bioaccumulation, they can cause several adverse impacts on ecological and human health. The study aims to assess chromium and nickel enrichment levels and estimate the soil''s ecological risk surrounds the Pangkajene watershed.METHODS: The total concentrations of chromium and nickel were determined using the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. This study used contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, and pollution load index to evaluate soil enrichment status. The ecological hazard index is used to estimate the potential hazard that may occur due to contamination. FINDINGS: The mean concentrations of chromium and nickel were 92.9 and 43.18 mg/kg, respectively. Chromium concentration exceeded the soil quality guideline for the protection of environment and human health, while Ni still below the standards. The geo-accumulation index value indicated no human-made-derived contamination in the soil. Weathering of carbonate rocks is the chromium and nickel major enrichment factor in the Pangkep regency. Contamination factor and pollution load index values showed low pollution in the studied soil. However, all study sites exceeded the ecological hazard index value (Ecological hazard index>1), which indicates a considerable ecological risk in the Pangkajene watershed area. CONCLUSION: These findings may provide baseline information related to chromium and nickel enrichment in the soil for Pangkep regency municipality. The Pangkep regency municipality must highlight the importance of strengthening environmental standards and monitoring mechanism as the priority to maintain a healthy environment.
