Analysis of Heavy Metal Contents of Marsilea crenata Presl. Leaves and Soils from East Java Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Marsilea crenata Presl. grows in East Java Province, Indonesia, and showed several pharmacological activities due to its phytoestrogen content. Research indicated its phytoremediation property, and therefore has an impact on heavy metal accumulation in the plants. Lead, cadmium, and mercury are amongst heavy metals that are toxic to the human body. This study aimed to determine and compare Pb, Cd, and Hg mineral contents of soils and leaves of the plants grew in Batu, Pasuruan, Surabaya, and Kediri cities in the province. Method: 10 g of dried powdered leaves and soils were put in separate crucible porcelains, and add 2ml of nitric acid. All were burnt in low heat until white smoke were not formed, and then stood to cool. Ashes obtained were examined using AA 6200 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Result: Showed that leaves samples from the areas showed no Pb and Hg mineral contents that exceeded the permissible limit. Batu City leaf sample had Cd heavy metal content of 2.79 ± 0.01 ppm, which exceeded the permissible limit. Conclusion: Analysis of heavy metal contents of soils from all of the areas showed no exceed limit of Pb and Hg mineral concentrations. Cd soil contents of Surabaya and Kediri cities, were 0.73 ± 0.00 and 2.61 ± 0.08 ppm respectively. Key words: AAS, Clover, Phytoremediation.