The unrevelaed of water quality parameters at Lake Oemasapoka, Rote Island – Investigation of the concentration of heavy metal in a saline environment

Abstract

Abstract Inland water resources on Rote Island are more than 80 lakes and ponds. One of them is Dead Sea Lake Oemasapoka. Based on previous research, this lake showed its uniqueness in high salinity values (40 - 42 ppt). The purpose of this study was to reveal heavy metal concentrations. We conducted an analysis of heavy metal parameters using neutron activation analysis. Sample irradiation was carried out in the Rabbit system of G.A Sywabessi Multipurpose Reactor in Serpong, a neutron flux of ≈ 3 x 1013 n cm−2s−1. Quantitative analysis was performed using the INAA comparison method and INAA-ko-IAEA software. The results showed Chlorin (Cl) and Sodium (Na) were two dominant parameters which the higher Chlorin (Cl) concentration was obtained from H2S smelling water (3,827.68 ± 459.60 mg/L) than those from freshwater and saltwater environments (549.67 ± 47.40 mg/L and 2,503.83 ± 214.98 mg/L, respectively). Meanwhile, Sodium (Na) concentration was higher from saltwater (5,686.10 ± 77.43 mg/L) than in those from freshwater and H2S smelling water environments (481.86 ± 7.28 mg/L and 3,387.96 ± 29.05 mg/L, respectively). It seems the geological processes in this area are unique and should be explained in more detail the impacts on biota in this lake.