Analysis of Lead (Pb) Content in the Mangrove Forest Area in Waiheru District, Ambon

Abstract

Mangrove has the ability to absorb waste and pollutants including heavy metals Pb. This study aims to identify sources of metals Pb contamination in mangrove forest area in Waiheru District and to analyze Pb content of in sediment and mangrove roots. The data collection method used was the direct observation (in situ measurement) and analysis of laboratory. Sediments and mangrove roots were analyzed by atomic absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Findings showed that It was identified three types of activity expected to become the potential of contamination sources of metal Pb in the area around mangrove forests namely; the agriculture activity, settlement and a motorboat. The metal content of Pb in sediment in around Sonneratia alba and Rhizophora apiculata exhibited the highest concentrations of 1, 9129mg/kg and 1.7965 mg/kg, respectively. Meanwhile, the lowest was in around mangrove from species Avicennia marina with the Pb concentration of 0.7259 mg/kg. Among the three species of mangrove, A. marina roots indicated highest Pb concentration (0.2857 mg/kg). It means that A. marinawas more effective in reducing of the contaminant material of the metal Pb.