Phytoplankton Population as Phytoremediation Agents in Jatibarang Landfill Leachate Pond of Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Remediation of microalgae from leachate is less explored because of its very high level of pollutants such as ammonia-nitrogen, heavy metals, inorganic salts, and organic chlorinated. Moreover, leachate poisons many organisms. This study aimed to determine the phytoplankton species in the leachate pond Jatibarang landfill, Central Java, Indonesia, and as an effort in phycoremediation. Sample was obtained from 4 stations; Inlet pond (J1), aerobic pool (aeration pool) (J2), sedimentation pond (J3), and pond outlet (J4). The results showed two phytoplankton species, Chlorella sp. and Chlamydomonas sp. Based on the abundance of Chlorella sp., the highest number was found at sedimentation pond with an average of 54,904 cells L-1, followed by pond outlet with an average of 17,449 cells L-1, aerobic pool with an average of 8,869 cells L-1, and pond Inlet with an average of 3,424 cells L-1. Chlamydomonas sp. was only found at pond Inlet with an average of 12,375 cells L-1. Further, the BOD decreased from station 2, 3, and 4 with percentages 12%, 29%, and 32%, respectively; COD gained 28%, 33%, 33%, respectively; and TSS, respectively, gained 22%, 35%, and 30%. To sum up, the pond’s water quality as producing leachate in Jatibarang landfill concerning pH, DO, and Cd are still below the leachate quality standard. Whereas the BOD, COD, and TSS exceed leachate quality standards.