Potential mangrove species in porong river estuary as inhibiting agent of heavy metal (Pb, Cu and Zn) pollution

This study investigated the ability of the mangrove species to accumulate heavy metals such as lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Concentrations of these metals in sediment, roots and leaves of Avicennia alba, Sonneratia alba, Avicennia marina and Rhizopora mucronata found in the mangrove ecosystem of the Porong River estuary, Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia were measured. The bio-concentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) were calculated. The results showed that Pb concentrations in the roots and leaves of mangroves were 0.0038-0.0505 mg/kg and 0.0042-0.0395 mg/kg, respectively, while Cu concentration in the roots of mangroves was 0.2658-0.3390 mg/kg and in the mangrove leaves was 0.0655-0.1490 mg/kg. The average concentration of Zn found in mangroves ranged from 1.327-3.1380 mg/kg in the roots and 1.767-3.674 mg/kg in the leaves. Among all the mangroves, the highest BCF values for Pb, Cu and Zn were found in Avicennia alba. However, the highest TF for Pb and Zn was found in Sonneratia alba. On the other hand, the highest TF for Cu was found in Rhizopora mucronata. The capability of Avicennia alba to accumulate Pb, Cu and Zn heavy metals compared with other species is highly important for determining a suitable species for phytoremediation.