Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Bungo Fish ( Glossogobius giuris Hamilton, 1822) in Lake Tempe, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Heavy metals are a well-known indicator of water pollutants that can adversely impact on living organism. The aims of this study to probe the bioaccumulation of mercury and cadmium in Bungo fish that live in Lake Tempe. The study used purposive sampling, that is collecting the fish from Lake Tempe situated in Wajo, Sidrap and Soppeng. Three-month research, starting from June to August 2021. Samples were tested in detection work by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Bungo fish varied according to the sampling locations. The average bioaccumulation of mercury in Wajo, Soppeng and Sidrap was 0.066 ± 0.005 mg/kg; 0.048 ±0.006 mg/kg; and 0.059 ± 0.002 mg/kg, respectively. The average bioaccumulation of cadmium in Wajo, Soppeng and Sidrap was 0.016 ± 0.001 mg/kg; 0.030 ± 0.009 mg/kg; and 0.025 ± 0.005 mg/kg, respectively. Accordingly, Wajo had the highest degree of mercury bioaccumulation, while Soppeng had the highest degree of cadmium bioaccumulation. In other words, Wajo was the most mercury-polluted area, and Soppeng was the most cadmium-polluted area for Bungo fish. However, the concentration of these substances in both areas remained below the maximum limits for water pollution.