Cadmium (Cd) concentration in the carp (Cyprinus carpio) organs at Lau Kawar Lake, Karo Regency, North Sumatra

¹ Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Sumatera Utara, 20155 Medan Indonesia
² Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Sumatera Utara, Medan. Jl. Bioteknologi No. 1 Kampus USU, Padang Bulan, Medan, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: kathyrnmelda@gmail.com

Abstract

Cadmium is a metal that has high toxic effects in high and low concentrations. The presence of cadmium will adversely affect the biological processes of aquatic organisms, mainly carp, which can threaten the sustainability of their lives, including humans, through the food network. Lau Kawar Lake was formed several thousand years ago when lava flowed from the Sinabung volcano and covered the Tupin River. This study aims to analyze the level of cadmium in carp organs at Lau Kawar Lake, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. The samples were taken by purposive sampling three times. Metal tests were conducted by using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Method. The data were analyzed through the F—test using one-way ANOVA at a 95% confidence interval. The test results showed that the highest and lowest average cadmium levels were found in the kidneys and liver. The statistical data analysis obtained that the average Cd levels in each sample were not significantly different in the gills, kidneys, liver, and muscles. The results showed that cadmium was detected in organs of carp but was still in low levels because it had not passed the quality standard limit set by the FDR New Zealand, FAO, and FDA RI Regulations.