Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

HEAVY METAL (MERCURY AND PLUMBUM) ACCUMULATION OF TWO FISH SPECIES IN SIPIN AND TELUK LAKE, JAMBI PROVINCE

Siswanta Kaban, M. Edi Armanto, M. Rasyid Ridho and Poedji L. Hariani

Abstract

The illegal mining activities by using mercury might cause water pollution, especially heavy metals mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb). The purpose of this research was to examine the accumulation of Pb and Hg in sediment, water, and fish at Sipin and Teluk Lake, Jambi Province. All of the samples include sediment, water, and fish were preserved using 96% alcohol and were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results show that the concentration and accumulation of Pb are higher than Hg. The Pb concentration in water and sediment at Sipin Lake ranges from 0.0041 – 0.0046 ppm and 18.53 – 42.52 ppm, respectively. On the other hand, the Hg concentration in water and sediment at Sipin Lake ranges from 0.00012 – 0.00072 ppm and 0.19 – 2.2 ppm, respectively. While, in Teluk Lake, the concentration of Pb ranges 0.0041-0.02 ppm and 28.98-58.92 ppm, and the Hg concentration ranges from 0.00012-0.00014 and 0.2 – 2.2 ppm. This study reveals that the concentration of Pb and Hg is accumulated by fish. Furthermore, the heavy metals concentration on fish cages are found higher than the non-fish cage.