Metal distribution at river water of mining and nickel industrial area in Pomalaa Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Nickel mining industrial activity in Pomalaa, Southeast Sulawesi Province – Indonesia has provided revenue for government and community. However, this mining has caused impact for an environmental issue. This study aims to analyze river quality in the nickel mining industrial area in Pomalaa. The Total Suspended Solid (TSS) parameter was tested by a gravimetric technique, Fe ions were analyzed by spectrophotometry, and Cr, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, and Pb were performed by Atomics Absorbance Spectroscopy (AAS). Subsequently, the determination of pH was compared to an Indonesia standard parameter (SNI 06-6989.11-2004). It was performing an evaluation towards the Pollutant Index (PI) value were 0 ≤ PIj ≤ 1.0 (good condition), 1.0 < PIj ≤ 5.0 (lightly polluted), and PIj> 10 (heavily polluted). The result shows that the seven rivers located around Pomalaa nickel mining industrial area are still categorized in a good condition for conducting the mining activity, but Huko-huko river has been categorized lightly polluted because of the impact activity of nickel industrial processing. The quality of Kumoro and Puuroda rivers are still in a good condition for mining activity, processing, and as the second class water quality standard. However, the water quality of Baula, Huko-huko, Pesouha, Sopura, and Oko-oko rivers are categorized to be lightly polluted at which functions as facilities and infrastructure of water recreation, freshwater fish farming, livestock, and irrigation. Meanwhile, the water quality of the Kumoro and Puuroda rivers are still in a good condition.