Identification of Heavy Metal Concentrations In Seawater as an Index of Pollution in Central Java Ports

Abstract

This research aims to measure the heavy metal pollution index (Cu, Pb, Cd) in sea waters around ports in Central Java, namely KSOP Semarang, Rembang, Semarang, Kendal, Batang, Cilacap and Kebumen Ports. Sampling was conducted in December 2023, coinciding with the rainy season. Seawater samples were measured using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) method to determine the concentration of heavy metals. The analysis results show that the Cu concentration in all locations is below the safe limit set by the Minister of Environment No. 51 Decree of 2004. The Pb concentration exceeds the safe limit in the Batang Sea (0.109 mg/L), while it is below the threshold in other locations limit Cd concentrations exceed safe limits in the Semarang Sea (0.022 mg/L), while in other locations, they are still within safe limits. Based on these results, the pollution index for Pb in the Batang Sea and Cd in the Semarang Sea are in the "lightly polluted" category.

Factors influencing heavy metal content include industrial waste, port activities, and surface runoff during the rainy season. Recommendations for environmental management include regular monitoring, strict waste management, environmental rehabilitation, increasing awareness, use of environmentally friendly technology, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and the preparation of stricter environmental policies. Implementation of these recommendations is expected to maintain water quality and reduce the risk of heavy metal pollution around Central Java ports.