This study investigates the presence and distribution of lead (Pb), a highly toxic heavy metal, in the Flores Sea—an important maritime corridor in Eastern Indonesia. The researchers measured lead concentrations at different depths and sediments, using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), during the Jala Citra 3 Expedition (April–May 2023).
The results revealed that lead levels exceeded both Indonesian and international environmental safety thresholds, with the highest concentration (0.81 mg/L) recorded at 150 meters depth. Pollution sources are linked to heavy shipping traffic, ballast water discharge, emissions from vessels, underwater volcanic activity, and the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) current, which transports contaminants from the Pacific into the Indian Ocean.
Although sediment lead concentrations were below international danger limits, the overall water quality places the Flores Sea in the “moderately polluted” category. These findings are concerning because elevated lead levels pose risks to marine biodiversity, fisheries, and human health through the food chain.
The research emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and stricter pollution controls in the Flores Sea, a hotspot of ecological and economic importance. It also underscores broader global concerns about marine pollution, ocean currents transporting contaminants across regions, and the implications for sustainable ocean management.
By identifying hotspots of lead pollution and linking them to anthropogenic and natural sources, the study contributes to SDG 14: Life Below Water, while also aligning with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 13: Climate Action, given the long-term implications for both ecosystems and communities dependent on the sea.
Credits:
Meet the Researchers: This study was led by Titin Herawati and colleagues from Universitas Padjadjaran, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, with a focus on marine conservation and pollution management.
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#UnpadResearch #MarinePollution #SDG14 #LifeBelowWater #OceanHealth #HeavyMetals #FloresSea