Environmental Study of the Potentially Harmful Elements (PHEs) in Talaga Bodas Geothermal Field, Indonesia Anita Yuliyanti1, a), Iwan Setiawan1, b), Haryadi Permana1, c), Heri Nurohman1, d), Andrie Al Kausar1, e), Lediyantje Lintjewas1, f), Jakah1, g)
1Research Center for Geotechnology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bandung
a) ayuliyanti[at]gmail.com, anita.yuliyanti[at]brin.go.id
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the regional geochemical background of volcanic rocks from several geothermal prospect areas in Java Island and evaluate the Potentially Hazardous Elements (PHEs) status of Talaga Bodas Geothermal Field area. This study adopts an integrated (indirect) method of the 2-sigma iterative technique for geochemical background determination and the Enrichment Factor (EF) method for PHEs^ enrichment evaluation. The results showed that volcanic rocks in the studied area enriched with arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and stibium/antimony (Sb) compared to the geochemical background values. Other elements to be mindful of are mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) that the concentrations are more significant than the threshold references. Geothermal and volcanic fields are susceptible to soil and water contamination from geogenic contaminants. The hydrothermal activity increases trace element mobility. Chemical weathering makes it easier to release heavy metals and other toxic elements into the environment. This research is expected to have an impact on increasing awareness and opening up more studies that strengthen the need for policies related to soil quality standards as a more suitable reference for evaluating soil quality in Indonesia.
Keywords: trace elements, volcanic rock, geothermal, Talagabodas, Java Island
