Improved water quality management

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 142 views

Heavy Metal Pollution in Pond Waters: A Study on Cadmium and Lead Absorption by Milkfish in Tanjung Rejo Village

Introduction

The Deli Watershed (DAS) in Indonesia has been experiencing a significant increase in human activity, resulting in the production of various waste that is carried by rainwater to the Deli River and eventually collected in the coastal area of Muara Deli. The Paluh Merbau, a source of water for fisheries activities in Tanjung Rejo Village, is located in this coastal area. One of the main commodities cultivated in this village is milkfish, which is suspected of experiencing heavy metal contamination. This study aims to calculate the concentration of heavy metals absorbed by milkfish and the accumulation that occurs in the waters and pond substrates.

Background

Heavy metal pollution is a significant concern in aquatic ecosystems, as it can have severe impacts on the health of fish and humans who consume them. Cadmium (CD) and lead (Pb) are two of the most common heavy metals found in water and sediment. These metals can accumulate in the body of fish through the bioaccumulation process, causing serious health problems, including damage to internal organs and nervous system disorders. In this study, we investigated the absorption of cadmium and lead by milkfish (Chanos Chanos) in the pond waters of Tanjung Rejo Village.

Methodology

This study was conducted in the pond waters of Tanjung Rejo Village, Percut Sei Tuan District. The observed parameters included physical-chemical-chemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations such as cadmium (CD) and lead (Pb) in the water, sediment, liver, and milkfish columns. All samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The test results were conducted by the Medan LPPMHP, which showed that the concentration of cadmium and lead in the liver, milkfish gills, and pond substrates were detected containing heavy metals.

Results

The results of this study showed that the concentration of cadmium and lead in the liver, milkfish gills, and pond substrates were detected containing heavy metals. However, the heavy metal content was still below the established quality standard. Nevertheless, a more worrying condition arises from pond waters in Tanjung Rejo Village, where the cadmium and lead content has exceeded the permitted quality standard threshold.

Discussion

The accumulation of heavy metals in milkfish can cause serious health problems, including damage to internal organs and nervous system disorders. The bioaccumulation process of heavy metals in fish is a significant concern, as it can have severe impacts on the health of humans who consume them. In this study, we found that the concentration of cadmium and lead in the liver, milkfish gills, and pond substrates were detected containing heavy metals. Although the heavy metal content was still below the established quality standard, attention must still be given to water quality in ponds.

Conclusion

The results of this study not only provide important information about the condition of water and fish quality but also invite all parties to be more concerned with the environment and health of the aquatic ecosystems that we have. The sustainability of milkfish farming in this area is highly dependent on effective environmental conservation and management efforts. The community and stakeholders need to collaborate to increase awareness of the importance of maintaining the quality of the environment, so that the future fisheries resources are maintained and not polluted.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, we recommend the following:

Improved water quality management: The community and stakeholders need to collaborate to improve water quality management in the pond waters of Tanjung Rejo Village.
Reduced industrial waste: Industrial waste is a significant contributor to heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Reducing industrial waste can help to minimize the impact of heavy metal pollution.
Increased awareness: The community and stakeholders need to increase awareness of the importance of maintaining the quality of the environment, so that the future fisheries resources are maintained and not polluted.
Effective environmental conservation and management efforts: The sustainability of milkfish farming in this area is highly dependent on effective environmental conservation and management efforts.

Future Research Directions

This study provides a foundation for future research on heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Future research directions include:

Investigating the impact of heavy metal pollution on human health: This study only investigated the impact of heavy metal pollution on fish health. Future research should investigate the impact of heavy metal pollution on human health.
Developing effective management strategies: This study only provided recommendations for improving water quality management. Future research should develop effective management strategies for reducing heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
Investigating the role of industrial waste in heavy metal pollution: This study only investigated the impact of industrial waste on heavy metal pollution. Future research should investigate the role of industrial waste in heavy metal pollution.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size: The sample size of this study was limited, which may have affected the accuracy of the results.
Limited geographic scope: This study only investigated the pond waters of Tanjung Rejo Village. Future research should investigate the impact of heavy metal pollution in other geographic areas.
Limited time frame: This study only investigated the impact of heavy metal pollution over a short time frame. Future research should investigate the impact of heavy metal pollution over a longer time frame.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Heavy Metal Pollution in Pond Waters

Q: What are heavy metals?

A: Heavy metals are a group of elements that are dense and have a high atomic mass. They are often found in the environment and can be toxic to living organisms. Examples of heavy metals include cadmium (CD), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As).

Q: What is the impact of heavy metal pollution on aquatic ecosystems?

A: Heavy metal pollution can have severe impacts on aquatic ecosystems, including damage to internal organs and nervous system disorders in fish. It can also affect the reproduction and growth of fish, and can even lead to the death of fish populations.

Q: How do heavy metals enter the environment?

A: Heavy metals can enter the environment through various sources, including industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and human activities such as mining and smelting.

Q: What are the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning in fish?

A: The symptoms of heavy metal poisoning in fish can include changes in behavior, such as increased aggression or lethargy, as well as physical changes, such as discoloration or lesions on the skin.

Q: How can heavy metal pollution be prevented?

A: Heavy metal pollution can be prevented through various measures, including reducing industrial waste, implementing effective waste management practices, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Q: What is the role of the community in preventing heavy metal pollution?

A: The community plays a crucial role in preventing heavy metal pollution by promoting awareness and education about the importance of maintaining the quality of the environment. They can also participate in initiatives to reduce industrial waste and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Q: What are the long-term effects of heavy metal pollution on human health?

A: The long-term effects of heavy metal pollution on human health can include damage to internal organs, nervous system disorders, and even cancer.

Q: How can heavy metal pollution be monitored and controlled?

A: Heavy metal pollution can be monitored and controlled through various methods, including water sampling, sediment analysis, and biological monitoring. Effective management strategies can also be implemented to reduce the impact of heavy metal pollution.

Q: What is the importance of maintaining the quality of the environment?

A: Maintaining the quality of the environment is crucial for the health and well-being of both humans and the ecosystem. It is essential to prevent pollution and promote sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health of the environment.

Q: What are the consequences of ignoring heavy metal pollution?

A: Ignoring heavy metal pollution can have severe consequences, including damage to the ecosystem, harm to human health, and even economic losses.

Q: What can be done to reduce the impact of heavy metal pollution?

A: To reduce the impact of heavy metal pollution, it is essential to implement effective management strategies, promote sustainable practices, and raise awareness about the importance of maintaining the quality of the environment.

Q: What is the role of education in preventing heavy metal pollution?

A: Education plays a crucial role in preventing heavy metal pollution by promoting awareness and understanding about the importance of maintaining the quality of the environment. It can also provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their actions.

Q: What are the benefits of reducing heavy metal pollution?

A: Reducing heavy metal pollution can have numerous benefits, including improved human health, protection of the ecosystem, and economic benefits.

Q: What are the challenges of reducing heavy metal pollution?

A: Reducing heavy metal pollution can be challenging due to various factors, including lack of awareness, inadequate resources, and conflicting interests.

Q: What can be done to overcome the challenges of reducing heavy metal pollution?

A: To overcome the challenges of reducing heavy metal pollution, it is essential to raise awareness, build partnerships, and provide resources and support to individuals and communities working to reduce pollution.