Heavy Metal (Pb) in the Rhizophora apiculata Mangrove in Asahan, North Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

Mangroves have an ability in environmental conditions, i.e., in the sediment, and organs. This research was carried out to assess the Pb absorption rate (sediment and mangrove parts of R. apiculata) in the eastern coast of Asahan, North Sumatra. The results showed that Pb content increased in the sediment, but it significantly decreased in leaves. The highest Pb content was in the sediment > roots > fruits > stem bark > leaves. The PCA results of factor loading showed that in the sediment (0.98), roots (0.98), fruits (0.98), stem bark (0.74) and leaves (0.98). The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) were < 1 indicating that R. apiculata has a capability of heavy metal absorption, especially Pb. Pb had a positive correlation in the sediment and roots.