Microelement Analysis In Edible Muscle Of Oreochromis Niloticus From Two Different Age Of Reclaimed Post Coal Mining Ponds East Kalimantan Using Sem-Edx

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the ultrastructure of the muscle and bioaccumulation of heavy metal elements in Oreochromis niloticus muscle as a biomarker of environmental pollution in post-coal mining ponds. The fishes sample come from three different ponds, namely from the Control pond,Senong pit (5 years old), and Goldstar pit (10 years old). Heavy metal elements in fish meat were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with an Energy Dispersive tool X-ray (SEM-EDX). The results showed that the level of accumulation of heavy metals (K, Cu, Zn) in fish samples with the highest percentage of metal elements was Cu between 1.48-1.74%; Zn between 0,80-1.17% and K between 1.58-2.43%. Histological lesions in the muscle tissue of Tilapia, O.niloticus are in line with the accumulation of the metals. The levels of Cu, Cl, and K in muscle from Control are lower in longer ponds, highest Zn percentage in old ponds. These results provide evidence that microanalysis of metal elements in tissue with SEM-EDX and fish muscle ultrahistopathology as biomarkers can be used as an indicator of pollutant exposure in post-coal mine land waters. The findings of this study are expected to be used as consideration in the aspect of diagnostic methods in monitoring fish health status and quality of fish products originating from post-mining ponds.