Analysis of Lead (Pb) and Its Effects on Protein Content in Jeruju Leaves (Achantus ilicifolius) in Wonorejo Mangrove Forest

Abstract

Jeruju (Achantus ilicifolius) grows abundantly in the Wonorejo Mangrove Forest, Surabaya, and is used by the community as medicine. Jeruju (Achantus ilicifolius) has potential as an ornamental plant, food source, medicinal ingredient, and as an absorbent for pollutants, including heavy metals such as Pb. As a food source, Jeruju (Achantus ilicifolius) must contain nutritional value and be free from heavy metal contamination. Meanwhile, the habitat of Jeruju (Achantus ilicifolius) is located in the Wonorejo Mangrove Forest, which is situated in an estuary, receiving water distribution from rivers and the sea with various anthropogenic activities, and the river mouth is suspected to be a source of pollution, including heavy metals, among which is lead (Pb). The presence of Pb in the habitat of Jeruju (Achantus ilicifolius), if it exceeds quality standards, will cause disruption to the photosynthesis process, thereby affecting protein content. Based on this, this study aims to determine the physical and chemical quality of the mangrove forest environment, the levels of Pb in seawater and sediments, the levels of Pb in the roots, stems, and leaves of Jeruju (Achantus ilicifolius) as phytoremediation evidence, the protein content of P. australis, and to analyze the relationship between the Pb levels in Jeruju (Achantus ilicifolius) and Jeruju (Achantus ilicifolius) protein, as well as analyzing the relationship between water quality, Pb levels in seawater, Pb levels in sediments, and Pb levels in Jeruju (Achantus ilicifolius). Sampling was conducted at three stations, each with two points and three replicates. Lead metal content analysis was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), protein content analysis using the Kjeldahl method, data analysis was performed using quantitative descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation statistics using SPSS, and Principle Component Analysis (PCA) statistics using XLSTAT. The results of this study indicate that water quality and Pb levels in water and sediment still meet quality standards, while Jeruju absorbs Pb mainly in its roots and stems, with leaf Pb levels remaining safe, making it suitable for use as food and potentially as a phytoremediation indicator.