Heavy Metal Content in Terraced Rice Fields at Sruwen Tengaran Semarang - Indonesia

¹ Master Program of Environmental Science, School of Postgraduate Studies, Diponegoro University, Semarang - Indonesia
² Departement of Enviromental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Semarang - Indonesia
³ Departement of Biology, Faculty Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Semarang - Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: yulis_hindarwati@yahoo.co.id.

Abstract

The presence of heavy metal on agricultural soils can be caused not only natural factors but also due to human intervention. Differences in management and lack of understanding of farmers in the production input of fertilizers and pesticides ensued in land ravaged. Periodic testing of paddy fields is necessary to minimize the contaminants from being absorbed by plants that will have an impact on health decline. The purpose of the assessment was to identify the heavy metal content in the terraced rice field in Sruwen Village, Tengaran District, Semarang Regency. Survey was conducted in February 2017. Sampling on terraced rice fields of different heights consisted of upper, middle, and upper down. Taken as many as eight single points and composed at a depth of 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm. The identification results showed that heavy metal content of Pb, Cd, and Cu were present at all altitudes. Heavy Metals Pb and Cd at a depth of 0-20 cm were higher from 20-40 cm in the upper and lower rice fields but lower in the middle rice field. Cu heavy metal at a depth of 0-20 cm was higher than 20-40 cm in all altitude land. The heavy metal content of Pb, Cd, and Cu was still below the heavy metal standard set by the European Union and India.