Environmental Management
S. Kasim; A. Daud; A.B. Birawida; A. Mallongi; A.I. Arundana; A. Rasul; M. Hatta
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microplastic pollution has a far and wide presence in the surroundings. It can be encountered in the sea, wastewater, freshwater, food, air, and water sources. It is even present in refilled drinking water. This study aims to analyze environmental health dangers of the exposure ...
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microplastic pollution has a far and wide presence in the surroundings. It can be encountered in the sea, wastewater, freshwater, food, air, and water sources. It is even present in refilled drinking water. This study aims to analyze environmental health dangers of the exposure to polyethylene terephthalate microplastics in refilled water sources in Tamangapa, Makassar City, Indonesia.METHODS: This research is an observational study with an environmental health risk analysis. Sampling was conducted in Tamangapa, Makassar City, Indonesia. A total of 100 respondents were involved. Additionally, 20 samples of refilled drinking water were examined in the laboratory using the Fourier Transform Infrared test. Data analysis was carried out by calculating the intake and risk quotient values. If risk quotient > 1, it is considered necessary to carry out risk management.FINDINGS: An average polyethylene terephthalate microplastic concentration of 0.0052 milligram per kilogram per day, an average intake rate of 210 milligrams per kilogram per day, an average exposure frequency of 350 days, an average exposure duration of 30 years, average intake exposure to polyethylene terephthalate microplastics above 0.0004, and an average risk quotient value above 1 were obtained. If they build up in the body, microplastics may have harmful consequences, including organ inflammation, internal or external damage, and chemical alteration of plastics that have already entered the body.CONCLUSION: Some measures of risk management that can be performed are to reduce the concentration of risk agents if the pattern and timing of consumption cannot be changed, reduce the consumption pattern (intake rate) if the concentration of risk agents and the time of consumption cannot be changed, and reduce the contact time if the risk agent concentration and consumption pattern cannot be changed.
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.