Environmental Health Risk Analysis of Heavy Metals Copper (Cu) and Arsenic (As) in the Gold Mining Area of PT. Citra Palu Mineral, Central Sulawesi Province

Abstract

Mining activities can also cause water pollution due to the use of chemicals, which include hazardous and toxic materials, and exposure to chemicals from mines that pollute water sources. Analyze the risks due to exposure to copper (Cu) and arsenic (As) in communities living and residing and doing activities in the gold mining area of PT. Citra Palu Mineral, Central Sulawesi Province. Observational research using the Environmental Health Risk Assessment (EHRA) method or Environmental Health Risk Analysis (ARKL) to assess or estimate the magnitude of human health risks caused by exposure to environmental hazards. The highest concentration of heavy metal copper (Cu) was 0.029 and the lowest was 0.0088. The concentration of heavy metal arsenic (As) at points 1, 2, and 3 showed a concentration value of 0.0081. Exposure to heavy metal copper through the dermal exposure pathway is stated to be at risk specifically for adults because the RQ value is > 1. Heavy metal copper (Cu) and arsenic (As) through ingestion and dermal exposure are stated to be at risk because the RQ value is > 1. Conclusion. The average risk level (risk quotient) of exposure to heavy metals copper (Cu) and arsenic (As) in wastewater at PT. Citra Palu Mineral, Central Sulawesi Province, RQ > 1 so that it is stated to be at health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]