Monitoring Mercury (Hg) Pollution at Ambon Bay: the Use of Apogon beauforti as Bioindicator
Abstract: Contamination of
mercury (Hg) in the sea is one of global issues, including the waters of bay
inside the Ambon Island. This research was conducted to monitor heavy metal
pollution (Hg) in Ambon bay using Apogon beauforti. This study was conducted by
using exploratory survey on physical-chemical environmental factors
(temperature, salinity, pH, DO). Hg levels in water, sediments, and A.
beauforti were measured, as well as the differences in the morphology of the
gills of fish. The sampling technique used in this research was a purposive
sampling technique. The environmental factor data were collected in-situ during
east and the west season in year 2013 and 2014. The levels of mercury were
measured by Atomic Absorbsion Spectrophotometer (AAS). Data were analysed by descriptive
statistics. The results showed increasing temperature, salinity and pH within
one year (2013-2014) at four different stations. There was a decrease in the
levels of Hg concentration in sea water, sediments and A. beauforti at four
stations, even though it still remained above the Threshold Limit Value (TLV).
The gills of A. beauforti showed dark red, pale and blackish colors indicating
the accumulation of heavy metals Hg.
Author: Dominggus Rumahlatu,
and Estevanus K. Huliselan
Journal Code: jpperikanangg160007
