Quantitative Analysis of Mercury on Marine Life in Various Depth Level Using Spectrophotometric Method

Abstract

This research analyzed and determined pollution level of mercury (Hg) in Sumberagung Village watersin Pesanggaran – Banyuwangi of Indonesia. The method used was experimental observational. Purposive sampling technique was used for sediment and water sampling in various depth levels of sea was following the calculation of completely randomized design formula. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer(AAS) was used to analyze the sediments, water and marine biota. Standard equation of Hg standard is y = 0,9823x + 0,048. The analysis result of the sediments quality on sea water estuary showed that the mercury (Hg) level was 0.0314 ppm, the sediment with depth of 10 meters from the sea surface showed 0.0134 ppm and depth of 20 meters is 0,0101 ppm. The analysis results of mercury levels (Hg) in the sediments of Pesanggaran waters did not fulfill the Quality Standards in accordance with government regulation number. 82, 2001, which said that class 1 is 0.00 mg/L, class 2 is 0.002 mg/L, and class 3 is 0.002 mg/L. Analysis of water quality in Sumberagung waters at tidal sea level depths showed that the mercury level (Hg) was 0.00035 ppm; at the level of shallow sea water, the mercury (Hg) was 0.00015 ppm; and at the depth of the sea water, the mercury (Hg) was 0,00011 ppm. The mercury (Hg) concentration in Pesanggaran waters was below the threshold limit value of quality standard based on Indonesian National Standard (SNI 7387: 2009). Maximum limit of heavy metal contamination in food for natural mineral water is 0.001 mg/L.