Calculating Health and Ecological Risks of Pm2.5, and Lead Pollutants Exposure Among Communities Due to Cement Plant Emission, Maros Indonesia 2023

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the possible impacts of PM 2.5, and Lead exposures on populations and ecology as a result of breathing contaminated air and contaminated soil exposure near the Bosowa cement mill in Maros, Indonesia in 2023.   Theoretical Framework: Anthropogenic and lithogenic activities can lead to an increase in the amount of heavy metals in ambient air and in soil as well as a decline in the quality of the environment.   Methods: The magnitude of PM 2.5, and Lead were measured during the period of April-June 2023. The level of PM 2.5 on ambient air sampling was conducted using direct reading HAZ-Dust EPAM 5000, uses a laser analyzer in order to measure particulate level matter. The result or time-weighted average (TWA) value directly can be read after the measurement at the site. Then meteorological data was collected from Indonesia Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics online database. Then, lead concentrations on surface Soil were taken and analyzed using AAS. Potential ecological and human health risks.   Results and Conclusion:  Station 9 had the highest level of PM 2.5 concentration (98.23 g/m3), followed by station 11 (97.14 g/m3). In comparison, station 3 had the lowest amount at (31.24 g/m3) and station 5 had the highest level at 32.91 g/m3, respectively. Additionally, station 10 had the greatest amount of Pb air particulate concentration, followed by station 11 with 88.33 g/m3, while station 6 had the highest level of Pb in surface soil, at 196.90 and 166.91 mg/g, respectively. In comparison, station 15 had the lowest amount at (54.76 mg/g), and station 14 had the highest level at (88.87 mg/g), respectively.  The findings implied that both PM2.5 and Pb have medium risks to exposed communities. It could be valuable for managing the air quality due to the industry activities and soil remediation in residential areas. Research Implications: Exposure to PM2.5 and Pb air particulates is more hazardous to the environment than it is to human health. PM2.5 and Pb levels in the soil and air had accumulated. More thought should be given, and remedial action should be set to lowering PM2.5 and Lead concentrations and their consequences on the environment in the research region.   Originality/value: This study encompasses relevant study that have conducted between 1990 and 2022 and lucidly summarizes the magnitude of PM2.5 and Pb in the air and soil, in addition this research emphasize the risks of environmental and human due to the PM2.5 and Pb Contamination acutely and chronically.