The heavy metals lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) contents in the white shell Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus, 1758

Abstract

The research about the contain of heavy metals lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) in the soft body of the white shells Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus, 1758 from local market Makassar has been conducted. This research was aimed to determine heavy metals Pb, Cr, Cu and Cd content in the white shells M. meretrix Linnaeus from local markets of Makassar. Heavy metal contain in white shells, sea water and sediment were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The result of the analysis shows that the content of Pb in M. meretrix L. from the central market and the Tanjung market are 8,322 and 5,627 ppm. Cr content in shell from Sentral market and Tanjung market was 0.102 and 0.052 ppm. Moreover, copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) content in white shells was not detected. The sea water from Metro Tanjung Bunga contains Cd 0.33 ppm and Cu was not detected. While the heavy metal content of Cd and Cu in sea water from Pangkep was not detected. The sediment from Metro Tanjung Bunga, contain Cd was 1.38 ppm and Cu was 1.84 ppm. While the heavy metal contain of Cd in sediment from Pangkep was not detected and Cu was 15.96 ppm. The content of metal Pb and Cr in M. meretrix L. exceeds the environmental quality standard.