Biofilm as a Natural Detector: Monitoring Lead (Pb) Contamination in the Industrial Rivers of Manyar, Gresik

Le résumé fourni par la source

Biofilm is a layer of complex microorganisms that grow and adhere strongly to solid surfaces, such as rocks, sediments, and substrates on the riverbed. This study specifically examines the ability of biofilms to absorb the heavy metal lead (Pb) in the aquatic ecosystem of the Manyar River, Gresik, Indonesia, by comparing them to sediment and water media as the main comparative parameters. Sampling was carried out at three strategic stations along the river flow, which represent variations in the level of exposure to polluting sources: Station I upstream (near industrial activity), Station II in the middle, and Station III downstream (away from sources of pollution). Lead concentrations were analyzed using an accurate Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) method. The comparison between samples was calculated through the BAF (Biofilm Accumulation Factor), BSAF (Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor), and Kd (Distribution Coefficient) indicators. The results of the analysis revealed that lead content in August 2023 was highest at Station I, reflecting its proximity to the industrial zone, while the lowest value was recorded at Station III. Notably, all measured lead concentrations exceeded the national river water quality standard threshold (0.5 mg/L), indicating severe contamination. The most notable finding is the remarkable accumulation capacity of biofilms: 83-90 times higher than water, and 90-91 times higher than sediments. This fact confirms the role of biofilm as a highly efficient natural biomonitoring agent in the remediation of pollutants in polluted waters.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.