Heavy Metal Contamination in Aquatic and Terrestrial Animals Resulted from Anthropogenic Activities in Indonesia: A Review

Abstract

Hazardous metal pollution has raised a global concern to its increasing trend in response to industrial growth. As an emerging economy, Indonesia starts to receive a backlash of increasing anthropogenic activities resulting in higher emission of heavy metal pollutants. Heavy metals are non-biodegradable pollutants and toxic to humans and other living organisms. Herein, we have reviewed published investigations on the contamination of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Hg, Ni, Cd, Zn and As) in aquatic and terrestrial animals, attributed to anthropogenic activities in Indonesia. Some reports found the contamination levels have surpassed the tolerable limits of international standards. Most of the research was conducted in the industrial area, indicating that the heavy metal released into the environment can reach the human body through the food chain. A report in a non-industrial area suspected the contamination to be originated from the chain of anthropogenic activities (fertiliser industry—agriculture—livestock industry).