The article “Toxicokinetic and risk assessment of methylmercury in Indonesian pregnant population using physiologically-based toxicokinetic and reverse dosimetry modelling” has been published in the reputable international journal Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology (Elsevier, 2025). This research is a result of collaboration between Hasanuddin University and Universitas Padjadjaran, with the participation of Yusep Suparman, M.Si., Ph.D. from the Department of Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran.
The study focuses on the health risks of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure among pregnant women in Indonesia, where fish consumption is a common dietary habit. By applying physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) modeling and reverse dosimetry, the researchers estimated MeHg exposure levels and evaluated potential health risks.
Key findings include:
- Observed blood MeHg levels among pregnant women were 1.69 µg/L and 0.8 µg/L.
- The estimated mean daily intake of MeHg was 2.88 µg/day.
- Clearance rates and volume of distribution were identified as major determinants of MeHg levels in maternal and fetal compartments.
- While most of the population had a hazard quotient below 1 (safe exposure level), a subset exceeded the threshold, indicating potential health risks.
This study directly contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for mothers and children.
- SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): fostering safe and sustainable fish consumption.
- SDG 14 (Life Below Water): supporting sustainable management of marine resources for long-term health protection.
The collaboration highlights the importance of inter-university research in providing scientific evidence to guide policies, especially in protecting vulnerable groups such as pregnant women from harmful exposures.
Source: https://www.scopus.com/record/display.url?eid=2-s2.0-85217677828&origin=resultslist
08/Stat/2025
