Air quality deterioration is a major environmental problem in Indonesia. This study evaluated the levels and health risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Maros Regency, Indonesia. Total suspended particulate matter was collected from industrial areas for PTE (Al, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, As and Zn) analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Samples were collected from six critical areas in the Bantimurung region as that is where marble, cement and limestone industries are located. A calculation of the non-carcinogenic and cancer risks was performed to determine the potential health exposures in adults and children. A Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations and a sensitivity analysis was carried out to identify the risk probability and the most sensitive variable contributing to cancer risk from PTE exposure in humans. The results showed that the concentration of PTEs decreased in the order of Zn > Al > Cr > Pb > Cu > Ni > As in the wet season, and Zn > Al > Pb > As > Cr > Cu > Ni in the dry season. The hazard index (HI) value for children was 2.12, indicating a high non-carcinogenic risk for children. The total cancer risk (TCR) values in adults and children were 3.11 × 10⁻⁵ and 1.32 × 10⁻⁴, respectively, implying that both are at risk for developing cancer. The variables with the most contribution to cancer risk from As, Cr and Pb exposure in adults and children were As concentration (33.9% and 41.0%); exposure duration (ED) (34.3%) and SA (40.7%); and SA (98.7 % and 45.4%), respectively. These findings could be used as the scientific basis for public health intervention and to raise awareness of the harmful health effects of particulate bound PTEs

Cement plants generate particulate matter (PM) across processes from raw material preparation to packaging. The presence of total suspended particulates (TSP) coming out of the stack causes a high accumulation of dust in residential areas. Human exposure to TSP could affect human health and wellbeing. The present study aims to evaluate concentrations of TSP and to estimate the health risks of TSP exposure through the inhalation pathway in communities surrounding a private cement industry in Maros regency, Indonesia. Total suspended particulates were collected using a high-volume air sampler (HVAS) at five locations. Samples were taken by grab sampling for 24 hours. The SCREEN3 program was used to view the maximum range and distribution of pollutants based on the geographical, stack profiles and meteorological factors in the study area. Hazard quotient (HQ) was used to estimate non-carcinogenic risks of TSP in surrounding communities. Total suspended particulate concentrations were measured with a maximum value of 133.24 μg/m³ and a minimum value of 18.48 μg/m³. This maximum value exceeds the minimum acceptable level from Canadian National Ambient Air Quality Objectives (C-NAAQOs). The non-carcinogenic risks from the inhalation pathway were low except for location 3 (HQ>1) across all locations. The cement plant may significantly contribute to total TSP concentrations in air and may potentially have adverse effects on human health. Communities near the cement plant are vulnerable to TSP exposure and measures are needed to reduce TSP in Maros regency, Indonesia. Obtained This study was approved by the Health Research Ethics Committee of Hasanuddin University with protocol number 28920093022. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Available forms of mercury (Hg) released from artisanal gold mine activities could be taken up increasingly by plants via root and leaf stomata. Total mercury (THg) concentrations in dry deposit, surface soil and rice grains were investigated as well as the potential risks in september 2011 from three rice fields of concern. The results revealed that the concentrations of THg in dry deposition, top soil (0 to 5 cm depth), sub soil (6 to 10 cm depth) and rice grains (Oriza sativa L.) both brown (once milled) and white (twice milled) grains were ranged from 166 to 322 m^-2 day^-1, 484 to 4244 μg kg^-1dw, 122 to 1812 μg kg^-1ww, and 113 to 1084 μg kg^-1ww, respectively. Hazard quotient (HQ) values for dry deposition, top soil and sub soil were ranged from 3 to 7, 5 to 42 and 5 to 36, respectively. Target hazard quotient (THQ) for brown and white rice grains consumptions were found in the range of 0.1 to 1.6 and 0.1 to 1.0, respectively. THQ values through brown rice consumption exceeded the guideline (>1) presented that the brown rice in these areas should not be safe for consumption and are at risks for the whole lifespan. However, the THQ values of both brown and white rice grains in some areas were still low and should be safe for the whole life span consumption.

Populations in coastal areas are vulnerable to chronic exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we estimated the health risks from Cd, Cr, Fe, and Pb exposure in river water, sediments, and edible aquatic biota (Anadara granosa and Chanos chanos). Human daily intake was determined by an interview process with 287 respondents that were selected by proportional cluster random sampling. The cumulative probability value for total risk exceeded the acceptable limit value, indicating that adverse health impacts from PTE exposure may occur in the Pangkep coastal population. The sensitivity analysis showed that exposure duration and Cr concentrations are the factors with the greatest influence in a recreational exposure scenario, whereas the frequency of exposure to shellfish and milkfish is the most influential factor for health risks in a residential scenario. Thus, reducing Cr concentrations in river water, restricting swimming duration, and limiting the frequency of shellfish and milkfish consumption are required to mitigate health risks in the future.