The Ability of Dracaena marginata var. tricolor, Gratophyllum pictum, and Pedilanthus tithymaloides as Lead Absorbents in the Air

Abstract

Lead pollution in the air is dangerous for living because toxic and carcinogenic. Dracaena marginata var. tricolor, Gratophyllum pictum, and Pedilanthus tithymaloides are plants that are often found on the roadside of Sidoarjo city and are often exposed to lead. This research aims to determine the ability of D. marginata var. tricolor, G. pictum, and P. tithymaloides as lead absorbents in the air and the relationship between lead content with plant chlorophyll content. This research is observational. Leaf sampling was carried out at 3 points in 3 locations, namely Buduran Street, Pahlawan Street, and Cemengkalang Street Sidoarjo. The lead content parameter was measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and chlorophyll content was measured using Spectrophotometer. Data analysis using ANOVA test followed by Duncan test and quantitative descriptive. The result showed that D. marginata var. tricolor, G. pictum, and P. tithymaloides have the ability as lead absorbents in the air. The highest to the lowest lead content were G. pictum 0.225±0.005 mg/L, D. marginata var. tricolor 0.087±0.006 mg/L, and P. tithymaloides 0.033±0.022 mg/L. The highest to the lowest chlorophyll content were G. pictum 13.707±5.028 mg/L, D. marginata var. tricolor 11.851±4.659 mg/L, and P. tithymaloides 11.391±4.256 mg/L. There was no significant effect of lead content on plant chlorophyll content.