Suprabadevi Ayumayasari Saraswati, Lumban Nauli Lumban Toruan, Ipanna Enggar Susetya

Lead and Copper Heavy Metal Content in the Morosari Waters, Demak Region

Introduction

lead and copper heavy metal content in the morosari waters, demak region. Discover lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) heavy metal content in Morosari Waters, Demak. Research reveals levels in this estuary, affected by industrial waste, exceed safety thresholds.

Abstract

The utilization of river bodies as waste disposal has an impact on the entry of heavy metals into the sea. The Morosari estuary area is an estuary area, which consists of mangrove areas, tourist areas, and several industrial activities, both large-scale and household. This condition causes the entry of waste containing heavy metals lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) into the estuary area. This study aims to determine the content of heavy metals Pb and Cu in the estuary of the Morosari River. This research was conducted in April - June 2009 and took place in the Morosari River estuary, Demak Region. The research method used was a descriptive exploratory method, while the sampling was purposive. random sampling, to 3 stations. Water samples are taken every 2 weeks, and followed by an analysis carried out at the Growth Center Laboratory, Kopertis Region IV, Semarang. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively. Analysis results for Pb content in water: 0.039 - 0.089 and Cu content in water 0.024 - 0.055 mg/l. The value of heavy metal content in the water has exceeded the threshold.

Review

This study addresses a critical environmental concern by investigating lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) heavy metal content in the Morosari River estuary, Demak Region. Given the widespread issue of riverine waste disposal and the presence of industrial and household activities in the Morosari area, understanding the heavy metal load in this estuarine system, which includes vital mangrove and tourist areas, is highly relevant. The research aimed to quantify the levels of these heavy metals in the water column. The findings indicate concerning concentrations of both Pb (0.039 - 0.089 mg/l) and Cu (0.024 - 0.055 mg/l), with the authors concluding that these values indeed exceeded established thresholds, signalling a potential environmental risk. Methodologically, the study employed a descriptive exploratory approach with purposive random sampling at three stations over a three-month period in 2009. While the bi-weekly sampling frequency provides some temporal resolution for that period, the limited number of sampling stations (three) might constrain the spatial representativeness of the findings across the entire estuary. A significant limitation is the age of the data; results from 2009 may not accurately reflect current conditions in an area potentially subject to ongoing or changing anthropogenic pressures. Furthermore, the abstract notes that values exceeded 'the threshold,' but it would significantly strengthen the interpretation to explicitly state which specific national or international regulatory standard (e.g., for aquatic life, drinking water, or irrigation) was used for comparison, as different thresholds apply for varying beneficial uses. Despite the historical nature of the data, the study's conclusion regarding elevated heavy metal levels underscores a persistent concern for coastal and estuarine health, particularly in regions experiencing industrial and urban expansion. The presence of Pb and Cu above thresholds poses potential ecological risks to the mangrove ecosystem and could impact the tourist areas, potentially affecting public health and biodiversity. Future research should prioritize updated monitoring to assess current heavy metal burdens, ideally expanding the number of sampling stations and perhaps including sediment and biota analyses to evaluate bioaccumulation. Identifying the primary industrial and household waste sources contributing to these metals would also be crucial for developing effective management and mitigation strategies to protect this valuable estuarine environment.

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