<![CDATA[Background: Heavy metals are natural components of the Earth's crust that cannot be degraded or destroyed, posing risks due to their potential for bioaccumulation. Volcanic eruptions contribute to elevated levels of heavy metals in the crust, as ash and materials contain oxides of various chemical elements. Objective: This study aimed to assess levels of Pb, Cd, and As in soil from the Mount Merapi area. Methods: Soil samples from Hazardous Disaster Zones I, II, and III were randomly collected during the rainy season, stored in labeled polyethylene bags, and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Results: Results from soil examinations in the KRB Gunung Merapi area, Magelang Regency, Indonesia, showed that all samples were within or below critical thresholds set by FAO/WHO/Ewers U and Allow for Pb, Cd, and As. The findings suggest a high likelihood of compliance with these thresholds, potentially influenced by rainy season conditions during sampling. Across regions, average concentrations varied: KRB I had Pb at 2.799 mg/kg, Cd at 0.582 mg/kg, and As at 1.233 mg/kg; KRB II showed higher levels with Pb at 3.333 mg/kg, Cd at 1.645 mg/kg, and As at 3.109 mg/kg; and KRB III recorded Pb at 2.771 mg/kg, Cd at 0.607 mg/kg, and As at 1.935 mg/kg. Conclusion: Currently, heavy metal levels in Mount Merapi's soil are below critical thresholds, but future eruptions could increase concentrations, potentially leading to bioaccumulation in plants and humans, posing health risks. Keywords: Heavy metals; soil; mount merapi; health risk; eruption area]]>
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