Analysis of Lead Levels and Causative Factors

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 83 views

Analysis of Lead Content (Pb) and Characteristics of Water Kale Plants (Ipomoea aquatica) on the side of the Binjai Highway - Stabat City of Binjai in 2020

Introduction

Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) is a plant that has gained significant attention in recent years due to its ability to absorb heavy metals, including lead, from the environment. This plant thrives in polluted environments, making it a popular subject for research related to the impact of heavy metal pollution. In this study, we aim to determine the lead level of water spinach based on the spacing of the highway and to identify the characteristics of the plant associated with lead presence.

Background

Research conducted by Hidayati (2012) shows that the highest lead content in water spinach is at a distance of 0 meters from the highway, with levels reaching 11.5 mg/kg. This study aims to build upon this research by examining the lead levels in water spinach at different distances from the highway. The results of this study will provide valuable information for farmers and consumers about the risks associated with consuming water spinach grown near highways.

Methodology

This research is descriptive and uses a purposive sampling method to select a sample of water spinach plants. The samples were then examined for lead levels at the regional health laboratory. The results showed that the highest lead level in water spinach was 0.747 mg/kg, which did not meet the requirements based on BPOM Regulation Number 5 of 2018 regarding the maximum limit of heavy metal contamination in processed food, which was set at 0.2 mg/kg.

Analysis of Lead Levels and Causative Factors

The high level of lead in water spinach can be associated with high motor vehicle activity around the highway. Vehicle exhaust gas contains various pollutants, including lead, which can settle in the ground and be absorbed by plant roots. The results of this study showed that the highest lead level is found in planting water spinach which is 3 meters from the highway, while the lowest level is detected at a distance of 7 meters from the Binjai - Stabat highway.

The variable characteristics of water spinach plants associated with lead presence include the age of the plant, the length of planting period, plant height, and protective plants. Thus, the closer the water spinach planting water from the highway, the higher the lead level that accumulates in plants.

Implications for Agriculture and Consumption

It is essential for farmers to pay attention to the location of planting vegetables, especially water spinach. It is recommended that they plant this plant far from the highway or other sources of pollution to reduce the risk of accumulation of lead that is harmful to health. In addition, for consumers, a good step of washing vegetables can help minimize lead levels that may be contained in these vegetables before consumption.

Conclusion

This research not only provides information about lead levels in water spinach, but also provides guidance for farmers and consumers in managing health risks due to heavy metal pollution. In the future, further research is needed to identify safe and effective agricultural methods in producing healthy vegetables, as well as efforts to increase public awareness about the importance of avoiding consumption of contaminated vegetables.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Farmers should plant water spinach far from the highway or other sources of pollution to reduce the risk of accumulation of lead.
Consumers should wash their vegetables thoroughly before consumption to minimize lead levels.
Further research is needed to identify safe and effective agricultural methods in producing healthy vegetables.
Efforts should be made to increase public awareness about the importance of avoiding consumption of contaminated vegetables.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was limited to 20 water spinach plants.
The study only examined the lead levels in water spinach and did not consider other heavy metals.
The study only considered the impact of motor vehicle activity on lead levels and did not consider other sources of pollution.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Identify safe and effective agricultural methods in producing healthy vegetables.
Examine the impact of other sources of pollution on lead levels in water spinach.
Increase public awareness about the importance of avoiding consumption of contaminated vegetables.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable information about the lead levels in water spinach and the characteristics of the plant associated with lead presence. The findings of this study have significant implications for farmers and consumers, and highlight the need for further research in this area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lead Content in Water Kale Plants (Ipomoea aquatica)

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to determine the lead level of water kale plants (Ipomoea aquatica) based on the spacing of the highway and to identify the characteristics of the plant associated with lead presence.

Q: What is the significance of lead in water kale plants?

A: Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in plants and pose a risk to human health. Water kale plants are known to absorb lead from the environment, making them a potential source of lead contamination.

Q: What are the implications of this study for farmers and consumers?

A: The findings of this study suggest that farmers should plant water kale plants far from the highway or other sources of pollution to reduce the risk of lead accumulation. Consumers should also wash their vegetables thoroughly before consumption to minimize lead levels.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a limited sample size and a focus on lead levels only. Further research is needed to identify safe and effective agricultural methods in producing healthy vegetables and to increase public awareness about the importance of avoiding consumption of contaminated vegetables.

Q: What are the potential sources of lead contamination in water kale plants?

A: The potential sources of lead contamination in water kale plants include motor vehicle activity, industrial pollution, and other sources of heavy metal pollution.

Q: How can consumers minimize lead levels in water kale plants?

A: Consumers can minimize lead levels in water kale plants by washing them thoroughly before consumption. It is also recommended to choose water kale plants that are grown in areas with low levels of pollution.

Q: What are the health risks associated with consuming lead-contaminated water kale plants?

A: Consuming lead-contaminated water kale plants can pose a risk to human health, including neurological damage, developmental delays, and other health problems.

Q: What are the recommendations for further research?

A: Further research is needed to identify safe and effective agricultural methods in producing healthy vegetables, to examine the impact of other sources of pollution on lead levels in water kale plants, and to increase public awareness about the importance of avoiding consumption of contaminated vegetables.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The findings of this study can be applied to improve agricultural practices, reduce the risk of lead contamination in vegetables, and promote public health and safety.

Q: What are the implications of this study for policy makers?

A: The findings of this study suggest that policy makers should consider implementing regulations to reduce the risk of lead contamination in vegetables and to promote public health and safety.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study?

A: The findings of this study can benefit farmers, consumers, and policy makers by providing valuable information about the lead levels in water kale plants and the characteristics of the plant associated with lead presence.