Pemanfaatan Tanaman Kangkung Air (Ipomoea Aquatica) Dalam Menurunkan Kadar Logam Berat Merkuri/ Hydrargyrum (Hg) Pada Air Limbah Di Kelurahan Poboya

Utilization Of Water Sweet Spinach (Ipomoea Aquatica) To Reduce Mercury/Hydrargyrum (Hg) Levels In Wastewater In Poboya Village

Abstract

Introduction: Heavy metal pollution, especially mercury (Hg), due to gold mining activities in Poboya, Central 
Sulawesi, has become a serious environmental problem. This study aims to evaluate the ability of water spinach 
(Ipomoea aquatica) to reduce mercury levels in river water through phytoremediation. Methods: This study used 
an experimental method by growing water spinach in a container containing mercury wastewater for 9 days. 
Observations were made on the physical changes in the plants and the reduction in mercury levels as measured 
using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results: The results showed that before treatment, mercury 
levels in the water reached 291.167 mg/L. After the 9-day phytoremediation process, mercury levels decreased to 
an average of 43.9995 mg/L, indicating an effective absorption of approximately 15.11%. Physical observations 
of the plants showed changes in leaf color and structure due to mercury exposure. Conclusion: The conclusion of 
this study is that water spinach has potential as a phytoremediation agent to reduce mercury levels in wastewater, 
although its effectiveness still needs to be improved through further research.