Environmental Health Risk Analysis of Paraquat Exposure in Palm Oil Plantations

Abstract

Paraquat (1, 1’-dimethyl-4, 4’-bipyridylium dichloride) is a highly toxic herbicide. Recently, Paraquat is still used widely in the plantations area, mainly in palm oil plantations. Paraquat application continuously can be increased Paraquat concentration and contaminated in soil and water. This study aimed was to analysis Paraquat exposure in environmental media water and soil, and the calculation of risk quotient of Paraquat in palm oil plantation. The study design of this research was a cross sectional with the laboratory examination Paraquat concentrations in soil and water. Soil and water samples taken by grab sampling with random composites. Water samples were taken from three sources in palm oil plantations area. Whereas soil samples were taken at a depth of 0-10 cm (top soil) and the number of soil samples as much as 5 samples. Furthermore, the risk quotient of Paraquat concentration in the water used in the palm oil plantation. The laboratory tests of Paraquat concentration were in water and soil with gas chromatography. The results of laboratory tests showed that Paraquat concentration in water samples were found between <0.005 to 0.01 mg/l and Paraquat concentration in soil samples were found between <0.005 to 0.08 ppm. The calculation of risk quotient was 0.058 mg/body weight/day. Although, the calculated of risk quotient showed less than one. Therefore, prior to use the water must be treatment first. While the recommended water to consumption as much as 2 liters/day for a 55 kg body weight to Indonesian workers.

Can There Be Justice Here?

“…The skin of the landscape becomes flaky, dry, and wizened, and the wetness of watercourses is contaminated with toxic chemicals used as pesticides and herbicides in oil palm plantations. One is paraquat, a quick-acting, non-selective herbicide banned in many countries due to its toxic effects (Maksuk et al, 2016). Another is glyphosate, a highly carcinogenic broad-spectrum herbicide and crop desiccant (Watts et al, 2016).…”

Konsentrasi Paraquat dalam Urin Pekerja Akibat Paparan Paraquat di Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit

“…20 Metabolisme paraquat dalam tubuh menye-babkan akumulasi di beberapa target organ diantaranya hati, jantung, ginjal dan organ lainnya melalui rute inhalasi, ingesti, kulit, rute tersebut paling sering dialami pekerja termasuk di perkebunan sawit yang dikenal dengan dosis potensial. 21 Hasil penelitian di perkebunan sawit Kabupaten Banyuasin pada pekerja penyemprot paraquat dilaporkan bahwa dosis potensial melalui rute ingesti sebesar 0,00035 mg/kg/hr, 22 dan dosis potensial melalui rute inhalasi sebesar 0,001 mg/kg/hr, 23 sedangkan di perkebunan Malaysia juga ditemukan sebesar 0,025 mg/kg/hr. 24 Paraquat dapat didistribusikan secara cepat dalam tubuh dan dieliminasi melalui urin dalam bentuk yang tidak diubah.…”

Health Risk Due to Carbamate Exposure in Communities Around Paddy Field Areas

“…Currently, the pesticides mostly used in the agricultural sector include organophosphate and carbamate (11). In Indonesia, approximately 3,207 pesticides have been legally registered (12)(13)(14). Moreover, carbamate is structurally and mechanistically similar to organophosphate and is N-methyl Carbamate derived from carbamic acid that will inhibit acetylcholinesterase at neuronal synapses and neuromuscular junction.…”