Bioaccumulation and translocation of heavy metals mercury and lead in mangroves <i>Rhizophora apiculata</i> and <i>Sonneratia sp</i>. in the estuarine waters of Malili River

The presence of various industrial activities is not far from negative impacts such as heavy metal waste.This study examined the ability of R. apiculata and Sonneratia sp.mangroves to translocate and accumulate mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in the Malili River estuary, East Luwu regency.The methodology used involved sediment sampling as well as mangrove tissue to analyze heavy metal concentrations.The parameters measured included Hg and Pb concentrations in sediments and tissues of R. apiculata and Sonneratia sp., by calculating the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF).The results showed that the concentration of Hg metal in sediments ranged from 2.0-2.9 mg/kg, while in R. apiculata and Sonneratia sp.ranged from 0.48-1.14mg/kg and 0.55-1.05mg/ kg, respectively.For Pb, sediment concentrations ranged from 3.50-8.20mg/kg, while those of R. apiculata and Sonneratia sp.ranged from 0.22-0.52mg/kg and 0.35-0.66mg/kg, respectively.BCF of both mangrove species showed a range of values of 0.03-0.82which means the value of BCF < 1 (excluder category) while the value of TF showed a range of values of 0.05-0.92which means the value of TF < 1 (phytostabilization).These results indicate that these mangroves effectively retain heavy metals in the roots without translocating them to other tissues.This study confirmed the role of mangroves as a natural solution in phytoremediation of heavy metal polluted waters.