Heavy Metal Pollution in the Waters of South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Abstract

The pollution of Plumbum heavy metal in water is an environmental concern. Plumbum (Pb) can be found in water naturally and due to human activities. This study aimed to analyze Plumbum heavy metal’s content in the waters of Batu Jaya village in Southeast Sulawesi. The research method employed was descriptive, and the samples were tested for Plumbum heavy metal content using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The study revealed that several stations (ST) exceeded the threshold, including ST 2 with 0.0217 mg/l, ST 3 with 0.0220 mg/l, ST 5 with 0.0182 mg/l, ST 6 with 0.0141 mg/l, and ST 10 with 0.0312 mg/l. On the other hand, other stations, namely ST 1, 4, 7, 8, and 9, remained within acceptable limits. Consequently, Plumbum heavy metal is present in the waters of Batu Jaya village, South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The pollution originates from human activities in the vicinity of the port and from ship traffic passing through the area.