The effect of washing and processing of PB-polluted vegetables towards their levels of PB and vitamin C

Abstract

This research tried to find out the effect of washing and processing of Pb-polluted kale in Metro, Lampung, Indonesia, where the farm is by the highway, use heavy-metal-contained fertilizer and pesticide. Plantedfor 20 days, various washing treatments were given (once, twice, and 3 times, 5 second each: unwashed as a control); and processing treatments (2 minutes steamed, 2 minutes boiled, 3 minutes stir-fried, and unprocessed as a control). The level of Pb and Vitamin C were examined using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and Column Chromatography in Chemical Analysis, Laboratory University of Muhammadiyah Malang. The Univariate Analysis of Variance showed a significant result (p<0.00) which indicates that both treatments decrease the Pb and Vitamin C within the kale. Post Hoc Multiple Comparisons and Duncan also showed a significant result. Regression Test showed that various treatments gave a different contribution to Pb and Vitamin C level. Together, the treatments reduce 94.7% of Pb level; meanwhile, the washing only contributes 54.7%, processing only 25.6%, and the rest 19.7% is determined by vegetables types and parts. Together, both treatments reduce 97.5% of Vitamin C level; the washing only contributes 0%, processing only 26.6%, and the rest 73.4% is determined by the type and parts of vegetables.