Accumulation of Metals lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in the Genus Porites Corals in the waters of Cape Jumlai, Penajam Paser Utara, Kalimantan Timur

Abstract

Coastal Waters of Tanjung Jumlai has high potential of natural resources, from the fishery, tourism, and mineral resources such as oil and gas. Industrial activities, sea port as well as the exploration activity in the waters of Tanjung Jumlai allegedly became contributors to the discharge of waste in the form of heavy metals, in particular lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd). The purpose of this research was to know the concentration of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in the soft tissues of Genus Porites corals in the waters of Tanjung Jumlai, Penajam Paser Utara, Kalimantan Timur. The research results showed that Pb accumulation in the soft tissue of the coral Porites Genus ranged from 0.26 mg/L – 0.70 mg/L and Cd ranged 0.10 mg/L – 0.25 mg/L. The presence of Pb and Cd in the waters of Tanjung Jumlai ranged < 0.003 mg/L – 0.003 mg/L and ranged < 0.002 mg/L – 0.136 mg/L respectively. Similar studies have also been done 10 years ago in the waters of Tanjung Jumlai which showed that concentrations of Pb and Cd in Genus Porites corals were very high namely 2.232 mg/L on Pb and 0.128 mg/L in Cd.. Similar to the previous Pb and Cd in the waters Tanjung Jumlai also exceed quality standard based on the decree minister of the environment no. 51 of 2004.