Potential health risks of heavy metals pollution in the Downstream of Citarum River

Abstract

Abstract The Citarum River is the most polluted river in the world. Heavy metals such as Zn, Cd, Cr, Mn and Fe are abundant in the environment and will disturb the sustainability and balance of the ecosystem caused by their toxicity. This is a major issue of concern in environmental science studies. This paper aims to determine the heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Cr, Mn dan Fe) levels of the Downstream Citarum River and has investigated the potential risk of heavy metals to human health from various components that pollute water by conducting literature studies. We found that the levels of cadmium and zinc exceed the quality standard threshold. Humans can be exposed to heavy metals from a variety of pathways. The risk of heavy metal poisoning depends on the amount of the dose that enters the body. Meanwhile, the dose increases with the concentration, duration and frequency of exposure and the way it enters the body. Meanwhile, the greater the exposure to heavy metals, the greater the risk of poisoning. Further efforts to reduce pollution and prevent the risk of pollution need to be made, not only by the government but also from all levels of society.