Application of tighter regulations

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 63 views

Introduction

The increasing demand for seafood has led to the growth of the fishing industry in various parts of the world, including Indonesia. However, the rapid expansion of the industry has also raised concerns about the environmental impact and the potential health risks associated with the consumption of fish. One of the major concerns is the presence of lead (Pb) in fish, which can have severe health implications for consumers. This study aims to analyze the concentration of lead metals (Pb) in sea water and small pelagic fish (Decapterus sp., Rastrelliger sp., and Sardinella Fimbriata) landed at the Belawan Ocean Fisheries Port (PPS), Medan Belawan, North Sumatra.

Background

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the human body and cause various health problems, including kidney damage, anemia, nerve disorders, and developmental disorders in children. The Indonesian National Standard Regulation (SNI) sets a safe limit of 0.2 ppm for lead content in fish. However, the concentration of lead in fish can vary depending on several factors, including the source of pollution, the type of fish, and the location of the fishing port.

Methodology

This study was conducted by taking samples of sea water and small pelagic fish in PPS Belawan. The analysis of Pb content was carried out in the Medan Research and Industry Standardization laboratory. The results showed that the concentration of Pb in sea water ranged from 0.17 ppm to 0.20 ppm. Meanwhile, the concentration of Pb in the body of the Decapterus sp. ranged from 0.50 ppm to 1.18 ppm, Rastrelliger sp. between 0.24 ppm to 0.97 ppm, and Sardinella Fimbriata between 0.23 ppm to 0.50 ppm.

Results

The results of this study indicate that the concentration of Pb in the body of small pelagic fish exceeds the safe limit set by the 2004 Indonesian National Standard Regulation (SNI), which is 0.2 ppm. This raises concerns about the health effects for consumers who consume the fish. Regression analysis shows that there is a strong correlation (r = 0.7278) between the concentration of Pb in sea water and the body of the fish. That is, an increase in Pb concentration in sea water has a direct impact on increasing the concentration of Pb in the body of the fish.

Discussion

The increasing concentration of Pb in sea water around PPS Belawan is likely to originate from industrial activities and maritime transportation around the port. Industrial waste and emissions from ships can contain Pb which pollutes waters. The health impact of lead exposure can be severe, and long-term exposure can cause various health problems. Therefore, it is essential to reduce Pb pollution at sea and maintain public health.

Mitigation Strategy

To mitigate the risks associated with Pb contamination in fish, several strategies can be implemented:

Application of tighter regulations: Industry and maritime transportation related to waste disposal should be subject to stricter regulations to prevent Pb pollution.
Increased supervision and monitoring: Regular monitoring of sea and fish quality around PPS Belawan is necessary to ensure that the Pb concentration is within the safe limit.
Public education: The public should be educated about the dangers of Pb contaminated fish consumption and how to choose a safe fish.

Conclusion

This study shows that the concentration of Pb in the body of small pelagic fish landed in PPS Belawan has exceeded the safe limit. This indicates health risks for consumers who consume the fish and requires serious attention from various parties to reduce Pb pollution at sea and maintain public health. The findings of this study highlight the need for stricter regulations, increased supervision, and public education to mitigate the risks associated with Pb contamination in fish.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular monitoring: Regular monitoring of sea and fish quality around PPS Belawan should be conducted to ensure that the Pb concentration is within the safe limit.
Public education: The public should be educated about the dangers of Pb contaminated fish consumption and how to choose a safe fish.
Stricter regulations: Industry and maritime transportation related to waste disposal should be subject to stricter regulations to prevent Pb pollution.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was limited, and further research is needed to confirm the findings.
Location: The study was conducted in a specific location, and the findings may not be applicable to other locations.
Type of fish: The study focused on small pelagic fish, and further research is needed to determine the Pb concentration in other types of fish.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Confirming the findings: Further research is needed to confirm the findings of this study and to determine the Pb concentration in other locations.
Investigating the source of pollution: Further research is needed to investigate the source of Pb pollution in sea water around PPS Belawan.
Determining the health impact: Further research is needed to determine the health impact of Pb exposure on consumers who consume Pb contaminated fish.

References

Indonesian National Standard Regulation (SNI) 2004.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Lead.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Lead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to analyze the concentration of lead metals (Pb) in sea water and small pelagic fish (Decapterus sp., Rastrelliger sp., and Sardinella Fimbriata) landed at the Belawan Ocean Fisheries Port (PPS), Medan Belawan, North Sumatra.

Q: What are the potential health risks associated with Pb contamination in fish?

A: Pb is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the human body and cause various health problems, including kidney damage, anemia, nerve disorders, and developmental disorders in children.

Q: What is the safe limit of Pb content in fish set by the Indonesian National Standard Regulation (SNI)?

A: The safe limit of Pb content in fish set by the Indonesian National Standard Regulation (SNI) is 0.2 ppm.

Q: What are the sources of Pb pollution in sea water around PPS Belawan?

A: The increasing concentration of Pb in sea water around PPS Belawan is likely to originate from industrial activities and maritime transportation around the port. Industrial waste and emissions from ships can contain Pb which pollutes waters.

Q: What are the mitigation strategies to reduce Pb pollution at sea and maintain public health?

A: Several strategies can be implemented to mitigate the risks associated with Pb contamination in fish, including:

Application of tighter regulations: Industry and maritime transportation related to waste disposal should be subject to stricter regulations to prevent Pb pollution.
Increased supervision and monitoring: Regular monitoring of sea and fish quality around PPS Belawan is necessary to ensure that the Pb concentration is within the safe limit.
Public education: The public should be educated about the dangers of Pb contaminated fish consumption and how to choose a safe fish.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was limited, and further research is needed to confirm the findings.
Location: The study was conducted in a specific location, and the findings may not be applicable to other locations.
Type of fish: The study focused on small pelagic fish, and further research is needed to determine the Pb concentration in other types of fish.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should focus on:

Confirming the findings: Further research is needed to confirm the findings of this study and to determine the Pb concentration in other locations.
Investigating the source of pollution: Further research is needed to investigate the source of Pb pollution in sea water around PPS Belawan.
Determining the health impact: Further research is needed to determine the health impact of Pb exposure on consumers who consume Pb contaminated fish.

Q: What are the references used in this study?

A: The references used in this study include:

Indonesian National Standard Regulation (SNI) 2004.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Lead.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Lead.

Conclusion

This Q&A article provides answers to frequently asked questions related to the analysis of lead metal content (Pb) in small pelagic fish landed in PPS Belawan, Medan Belawan District, North Sumatra. The study highlights the potential health risks associated with Pb contamination in fish and the need for mitigation strategies to reduce Pb pollution at sea and maintain public health.