HEAVY METALS AND HEMATOLOGIC DISEASE ON WETLANDS : A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Heavy metals are metal elements with relatively high density compared to water. One area prone to heavy metal pollution is the wetland environment. In South Kalimantan, a wetland area, pollution is mainly caused by mining and palm plantation activities. The presence of heavy metals in the sediments of Martapura River, have passed the sediment pollution threshold, include Mn, Fe and Hg. Heavy metals can cause oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), are associated with increased systemic inflammation, can lead to impaired immune function and accumulation of immune complexes. Mechanisms including direct toxicity to marrow precursors, inhibition of enzymatic processes essential for cell division and maturation, impairment of erythrocyte membrane transport, and immune-mediated cell destruction. However, research results are still contradictory. Presence of heavy metals still poses health risks in wetlands. The effect of heavy metal on health, especially hematological diseases, requires further research.