Heavy metal content (Pb, Hg) in threadfin bream (Nemipterus sp.) from Banten Bay, Indonesia

Abstract

Banten Bay represents waters bordering the areas of marine tourism, industries, settlements, and agriculture. The wastes resulting from those activities can harm the aquatic environment. This study aims to analyze the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Pb and Hg) in threadfin bream (Nemipterus sp.) in Panjang Island, Banten Bay, Banten Province. Sampling and observation were carried out from March to August 2019 on the island. Measurements of heavy metal contents in fish flesh and gills were conducted using the AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer). Based on the results of analyses, Pb and Hg in fish flesh and gill were 0-0.149 mg/kg and 0-0.064 mg/kg, respectively, indicating that the number of heavy metals in the tissue was under the predetermined threshold; However, the number of heavy metals in the gill organs exceeded the predetermined threshold. The maximum weight limit of the fish flesh that can be consumed by both adults and children was 6.15 g/week and 1.85 g/week, respectively.