Transfer factor as indicator of heavy metal content in plants around adipala steam power plant
Devi Swasti Prabasiwi, Sukirno Sukirno, Sri Murniasih, Kharistya Rozana
Abstract
Abstract The purpose of this research is to identify and characterize the main and trace metals in plant (cassava leaves and grass) and soil. Results of the characterization was used to determine the transfer factor (TF) of metal absorption from soil to plant around Adipala power plant located in Cilacap Regency. Measurement of metal concentrations were carried out using instrumental neutron activation analysis techniques. Samples were irradiated in Rabbit and Lazy Susan system facility at the Kartini research reactor located in Centre for Accelerator Science and Technology. Irradiated samples then counted using HPGe detector. Concentration values for heavy metals were below the maximum recommended value stated by WHO and FAO. Transfer factor (TF) is used to assess the concentration of metals in cassava leaves and grass taken from soil. The TF value calculated in this research were below 1, this implied that cassava leaves and grass were safe from the risk of heavy metals. The highest transfer factor value is Sb, it showed that is Sb was more mobile compare to other metals.