ABSTRACT

The Effect of the Tsunami on Heavy Metal Pollution on Human Health in Aceh

Public awareness of health in a developing country like Indonesia is still very low, especially in the case of drinking water. In addition to poverty caused by factors that are still relatively high, it is also influenced by the environment that is not clean, so water consumed may contain heavy metals such as Manganese and Chromium. This study aimed to assess the risks to human health affected by heavy metal pollution Manganese and Chromium in Aceh. The method used was inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) by taking samples from twelve areas, which consists of ten tsunami areas (Baitussalam) and two non-tsunami areas. Data were analyzed quantitatively. The results showed Manganese and Chromium metal content of the twelve areas, each acquired ten areas and four areas exceeded the standard set by WHO. The content of Manganese in the area S001 0.175 mg/L, S002 0.169 mg/L, S003 1.742 mg/L, S004 0.189 mg/L, S005 0.143 mg/L, S008 0.410 mg/L, S009 0.454 mg/L, S010 0.209 mg/L, S011 0.412 mg/L, and S012 1.874 mg/L. These data indicate Manganese metal content exceeds the standards set by the WHO, which is 0.1 mg/L. While the content of Chromium in the area S004 0.059 mg/L, S005 0.09 mg/L, S009 0.063 mg/L, S012 0.082 mg/L. These data also show that the Chromium content exceeds standards set, i.e. 0.05 mg/L. From the S001 area until S010 is the areas of ​​the tsunami while S011 and S012 non-tsunami areas. Regional tsunami and non-tsunami did not affect the content of heavy metals based on the study results.

Key Word : Heavy metals, ICP-MS, WHO, Tsunami, Baitussalam.