Screening potential hyperaccumulator plant for phytoremediation approach due to ASGM Activity: Study case of Katingan Regency and Tanggamus Regency

Abstract

Artisanal and Small Scale-Gold Mining (ASGM) is one of the anthropogenic activity of heavy metal contaminations sources and indicated high negative impact on the environment, especially the mercury (Hg) contaminations. The aim of this research was screened potential plants that can be used as remediation agents due to ASGM activity in the post-mining area. This study was conducted in Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan and at PT Napal Umbar Picung (NUP), Tanggamus Regency, Lampung. The study collected the potential hyperaccumulator plant from contaminated areas. Plant samples were dried at 80ºC for 3 days in a ventilated oven. The powder samples were weighed and dissolved with 6 ml of HNO3. Then, samples were digested using a Multiwave 7,000. Dissolved samples were analyzed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF).The highest concentrations of As, Fe, Hg, Pb, and Zn in the shoots of ASGM in Katingan Regency were 90 mg/kg, 9,837 mg/kg, 1,023 mg/kg, 114 mg/kg, and 315 mg/kg, respectively. The analysis results of highest concentrations of As, Fe, Hg, Pb, and Zn in the shoots of PT NUP were 97.2 mg/kg, 15,4710 mg/kg, 162.9 mg/kg, 152.4, and 1,220 mg/kg, respectively. The results showed that the hyperaccumulators plant of Hg were Christella sp., Hoya sp., Stenochlaena sp., Athyrium sp., Palhinhaea sp., and Pecluma sp in both ASGM area, Katingan and PT NUP. This study can be concluded that the plants can be used as phytoremediation approach of heavy metals contamination such as As, Fe, Pb, Zn, and especially Hg.