ARBES RIVER WATER QUALITY BASED ON HEAVY METAL CONTENT AS WELL AS THE POTENTIAL OF LIMNOCHARIS FLAVA, PISTIA STRATIOTES, AND HYDRILLA VERTICILLATA AS PHYTOREMEDIATOR AGENTS

Abstract

The Arbes River is one of the drinking water sources for the Ambon City community in Indonesia. However, the river is polluted by B3 heavy metals, which pose a significant health risk and may cause death. The presence of these metals in the river is due to the high activity of the community in using it to fulfil their daily needs. This study was preceded by a survey to assess the condition of the Arbes River and the activities of the surrounding community. Water samples were analysed for B3 heavy metal content, specifically lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg), and the potential of P. stratiotes, L. flava and H. verticillata as phytoremediator agents were analysed. The results showed that the water quality of the Arbes River, as measured by B3 heavy metal content in six segments, exceeded classes III and IV quality standards, making it unsuitable for drinking but potentially suitable for irrigation purposes. Aquatic plants can be used to remediate the B3 heavy metal content in the Arbes River, with H. verticillata demonstrating better remediation potential for lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury than L. flava and P. stratiotes. Consequently, H. verticillata shows promise as a potential phytoremediator agent for remediating B3 heavy metals in the water of Arbes River.