Concentration of dissolved heavy metal around the Rupat waters industrial activity, Malacca Strait

¹ Research Institute for Coastal Resources and Vulnerability, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Padang 25245, Indonesia
² Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: syahrulpurnawan@unsyiah.ac.id

Abstract

The Rupat Strait is a water area located between Rupat Island and Dumai City. This area is growing rapidly which is characterized by increasing coastal residential areas, commercial centers, industries, ports and also increasing marine transportation. This increase in activity can lead to a decrease in the water quality of the Rupat Strait. This study aims to analyze the water quality of heavy metals Cadmium (Cd), Cuprum (Cu), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn) and Nickel (Ni) in the waters of the Rupat Strait. Sampling of surface water using sample bottles was carried out at 9 observation stations from the waters of West Rupat to South Rupat, then testing the water samples in the laboratory. The results of the analysis show that the lead and nickel values still meet the threshold values set by the Minister of Environment No.51 of 2014. A total of 30% of the sample points for cadmium testing water do not meet the quality standards and have been polluted. Meanwhile, the values of cuprum and zinc have exceeded the specified quality standards and have polluted the waters of the Rupat Strait. There is a need for a mechanism from various aspects to maintain water quality that still meets the threshold and certain efforts are needed to reduce heavy metal pollution, namely cuprum and zinc in the waters of the Rupat Strait and its surroundings.