HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATION LEVEL AND WATER QUALITY PARAMETER CONDITIONS IN JATILUHUR RESERVOIR, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

Abstract

Waste pollution into the Citarum River, the main water source of Jatiluhur Reservoir, was dominated by the manufacturing industry such as textile, chemical, metal and pharmaceutical. In general, the manufacturing industry is the most common contributor to heavy metal waste, which will cause various health problems. Therefore, it is essential to conduct studies on heavy metal contamination and water quality parameters conditions in the Jatiluhur Reservoir. The study aimed to provide a reference regarding the current condition of the heavy metal contamination level in both sediment and water of the Jatiluhur Reservoir, as well as to compare the levels of other water quality parameters against the standard of environmental quality. Heavy metals contents, such as Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb and Cd, were determined using X-Ray (XRF) Fluorescence Spectrometry method (for sediment) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) method (for water). Water quality parameters were analyzed by using methods developed by the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). The data obtained were compared to the Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines (for heavy metal in sediment) and water quality standards from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia Regulation Number 82 of 2001 (Class 3) (for water quality parameters). Based on this study, Jatiluhur Reservoir is divided into three zones i.e., the inlet area, main inundation area and outlet area. Within the sedimentary layer, the mercury (Hg) was found to be accumulated throughout the Jatiluhur Reservoir area, exceeding the maximum limit, while Cu accumulated in the inlet area, exceeding the minimum limit. The other heavy metals (Zn, Pb and Cd) were found to be exceeding the minimum limit at some locations, but more results were below the minimum limit. The high concentration of heavy metals in the sediment was due to household and/or industrial wastes. Although all heavy metals were not detected in water, the presence of heavy metals in sediments could potentially dissolve into the water by means of upwelling. If this happens, the heavy metals can be excessively contained in water, resulting in a harmful habitat for aquatic biota. Water containing heavy metals will also be harmful for human. In general, water quality parameters in Jatiluhur Reservoir meet the standard for water quality. Only ammonia, however, was higher than the standard for sensitive fish life due to massive aquaculture activities in this reservoir. Considering the conditions of heavy metal contamination levels in both sediment and water, the biota that is most likely to be exposed to heavy metal is benthic organisms, because the organisms live at the bottom of the waters. The priority for further attention and countermeasure in improving the sediment and water quality of the Jatiluhur Reservoir was toward Hg, Cu, and Pb and ammonia.