Distribution of heavy metals (Ag, Hg, Cd) concentration and the pollution status in the western part of Segara Anakan Lagoon, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Segara Anakan lagoon has continuously gained pressures as a result of human activities. Unsustainable land use and forest destruction in the upper river areas have brought about erosion bringing also heavy metals into the lagoon. This study investigated the distribution of heavy metals (Ag, Hg, and Cd) concentration and determined the pollution status in the western part of Segara Anakan Lagoon, Cilacap, Central Java, Indonesia. The study was conducted for six months, from June to November 2016, with a sampling interval of once a month. The study was located in six stations spread over from the rivers to the estuary area. The distribution of Ag content tended to be stable at every station (except in August). Low Ag content was found in June, July, September, and October, while the highest was in November. The higher Ag content was found in the estuary area. The distribution of Hg varied and mostly increased toward the estuary area. Low Hg content was found in November, while the highest was in October. The distribution of Cd tended to be stable at every station (except in July). Low Cd content was found in June, while the highest was found in August-October. A higher concentration of Cd was obtained in the channel area up to the confluence area of several rivers. According to the pollution index, the western part of Segara Anakan Lagoon was moderately polluted.