Heavy Metal Pollution in Indonesian Waters

¹ Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education Raja Ali Haji Maritime University, Dompak, Tanjungpinang, Indonesia
² Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education Raja Ali Haji Maritime University, Dompak, Tanjungpinang, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: hilfipardi@umrah.ac.id

Abstract

Marine pollution, including heavy metals, is prevalent in Indonesian waters. Previous studies have found evidence of Pb, Cd, Hg, Al and Fe metal contamination in sediments and green mussels. This study used survey research. Heavy metal pollution is increasingly accumulating so that if it is not controlled it is feared that it will have an impact on public health, especially people who live around the coast. The research method was conducted using survey techniques. This study aims to estimate the burden of heavy metal pollution in the ocean. The research was conducted in 5 (five) areas of Indonesia, namely the East Coast of Sumatra, Winongo River in Yogyakarta, Semarang Bay, Bandengan Waters Kendal Central Java, and Ratai Bay Pasewaran Regency in areas with high human and heavy metal impacts. On average, the total results of heavy metal pollution exceed environmental quality standards. The situation in the 5 (five) research areas shows heavy metal pollution is very concerning because it is higher than the marine quality standard. The average concentrations of the measured elements in water were Al >Fe > Cu > Cd, with average values in descending order of 1.08 mg/L, 0.545 mg/L, 0.035 mg/L, and 0.005 mg/L, respectively. Environmental management should be implemented with the aim of reducing heavy metal pollution in Indonesian waters.