Analysis of Pb Metal Content in Hair of PLTU Pangkalan Milk Employees by Spectrophotometry Atom

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 48 views

Analysis of Pb Metal Content in Hair of PLTU Pangkalan Milk Employees by Spectrophotometry Atom

Background

The use of coal as the primary fuel source for steam power plants (PLTU) has been a topic of concern due to its potential health risks. Coal contains various chemical elements, including lead metal (Pb), which is known to accumulate in human hair more than other body parts. Long-term exposure to Pb can lead to serious disorders of the circulatory system, nervous system, and kidney function. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor Pb levels in the bodies of employees working in high-risk environments, such as PLTU.

The Importance of Pb Monitoring in PLTU Employees

Pb is a toxic metal that can cause severe health problems if ingested or inhaled. In the context of PLTU, employees are exposed to Pb through various means, including dust and smoke from the welding process. This exposure can lead to the accumulation of Pb in their hair, which can be used as an indicator of their exposure levels. Monitoring Pb levels in PLTU employees is essential to prevent long-term health effects and ensure their well-being.

Research Purposes

This study aims to measure the levels of Pb metal in the hair of the Pangkalan Susu PLTU employee. Additionally, this research seeks to determine whether the Pb levels are within the safe limit or have exceeded the specified limit. Another goal is to analyze the effect of the length of work on Pb levels in employee hair.

The Significance of Pb Levels in PLTU Employees

Pb levels in PLTU employees can be used as an indicator of their exposure to this toxic metal. High Pb levels can indicate a higher risk of health problems, including neurological damage and kidney disease. Therefore, monitoring Pb levels in PLTU employees is crucial to prevent long-term health effects and ensure their well-being.

Research Methods

The analysis was carried out using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method with the graphite furnace technique and using air-argonal gas at a wavelength of 283.3 Nm. This method is considered effective for detecting and measuring heavy metal content in hair samples.

The Effectiveness of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Atomic absorption spectrophotometry is a reliable method for detecting and measuring heavy metal content in hair samples. This method uses a graphite furnace to heat the sample, which releases the heavy metal ions, which are then measured using a spectrophotometer. The use of air-argonal gas at a wavelength of 283.3 Nm ensures accurate and reliable results.

Research Result

The results showed that there was a Pb content in the hair of the Pangkalan Susu PLTU employee. The highest average level is found in a sample with a working length of 6 months, which is 8.6728 ± 4,0473 μg/g, while the lowest level is found in a sample with a working length of 48 months, which is 1,1649 ± 0.4452 μg/g. The validation of the method shows that the detection limit and quantitation limit meet the requirements, so that the test results can be considered accurate and reliable.

The Significance of Pb Levels in PLTU Employees

The results of this study show that Pb levels in the hair of the Pangkalan Susu PLTU employee are within the normal limits set, which is between 0.07 - 11.7 μg/g. However, it is essential to remember that although these levels are still within safe limits, routine monitoring is still needed to prevent the possibility of long-term health effects due to heavy metal exposure.

Analysis and Discussion

From the results obtained, it can be concluded that employees with a 6-month work length have higher Pb levels compared to employees who have worked for 48 months. This phenomenon can be explained by a different level of exposure. Employees who work in the initial phase may be more often exposed to dust and smoke from the welding process, which contains heavy metals. Meanwhile, employees who work longer may focus more on the relatively less coal management exposed to metals from the welding process.

The Effect of Work Length on Pb Levels

The results of this study show that Pb levels in the hair of the Pangkalan Susu PLTU employee are affected by the length of work. Employees who have worked for 6 months have higher Pb levels compared to employees who have worked for 48 months. This phenomenon can be explained by a different level of exposure.

Conclusion

Pb metal content in the hair of the Pangkalan Susu PLTU employee shows the highest level of contamination in employees who have worked for 6 months. Although these levels are still in a safe range, this research emphasizes the need for regular health supervision for workers. Thus, it is expected to prevent a more serious adverse effect on the health of employees in the future.

The Importance of Regular Health Supervision

Regular health supervision is essential to prevent long-term health effects due to heavy metal exposure. This study emphasizes the need for regular health supervision for workers in high-risk environments, such as PLTU. By monitoring Pb levels in the hair of PLTU employees, we can prevent the possibility of long-term health effects and ensure their well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pb Metal Content in Hair of PLTU Pangkalan Milk Employees

Q: What is Pb metal, and why is it a concern in PLTU environments?

A: Pb metal, also known as lead, is a toxic metal that can cause severe health problems if ingested or inhaled. In PLTU environments, Pb can be present in coal, dust, and smoke, which can lead to exposure and accumulation in the body.

Q: How is Pb exposure measured in PLTU employees?

A: Pb exposure is typically measured by analyzing hair samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. This method is considered effective for detecting and measuring heavy metal content in hair samples.

Q: What are the safe limits for Pb levels in PLTU employees?

A: The safe limits for Pb levels in PLTU employees are typically set between 0.07 - 11.7 μg/g. However, it's essential to note that even within these limits, regular monitoring is still necessary to prevent long-term health effects.

Q: How does the length of work affect Pb levels in PLTU employees?

A: The results of this study show that Pb levels in the hair of the Pangkalan Susu PLTU employee are affected by the length of work. Employees who have worked for 6 months have higher Pb levels compared to employees who have worked for 48 months.

Q: What are the implications of high Pb levels in PLTU employees?

A: High Pb levels in PLTU employees can indicate a higher risk of health problems, including neurological damage and kidney disease. Regular health supervision is essential to prevent long-term health effects.

Q: How can Pb exposure be prevented in PLTU environments?

A: Pb exposure can be prevented by implementing proper safety measures, such as:

Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with coal or dust
Ensuring proper ventilation in work areas
Regularly cleaning and maintaining equipment
Providing regular health check-ups and monitoring Pb levels

Q: What is the significance of this study in the context of PLTU employee health?

A: This study highlights the importance of monitoring Pb levels in PLTU employees and emphasizes the need for regular health supervision to prevent long-term health effects. By understanding the relationship between Pb exposure and work length, we can take steps to prevent exposure and ensure the well-being of PLTU employees.

Q: What are the future directions for research on Pb exposure in PLTU environments?

A: Future research should focus on:

Investigating the effects of Pb exposure on PLTU employee health
Developing effective strategies for preventing Pb exposure
Implementing regular health monitoring programs for PLTU employees

By addressing these research gaps, we can better understand the risks associated with Pb exposure in PLTU environments and develop effective strategies for preventing long-term health effects.