ANALYSIS OF CADMIUM (Cd) LEVELS AND HISTOPATHOLOGY OF MYSTUS NIGRICEPS IN DOWNSTREAM WATER AT THE GEMBONG RIVER OF PASURUAN, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

Abstract

Heavy metals have high toxicity that can cause water pollution. Cadmium (Cd) level in the water can interfere with fish physiology and result in excessive oxidative stress. Histopathological damage to the fish organs can use as a biomarkers providing early warning of environmental changes due to toxicants. This research was conducted in March – April 2021 using the survey method. Sampling was carried out three times a span of every two weeks at three stations along downstream water of the Gembong River, Pasuruan, East Java. Parameters observed included heavy metal content of Cd in the water and Mystus nigriceps organs, histopahtology of the liver, kidneys, and gill of Mystus nigriceps, and water quality as supporting data (temperature, pH, DO, and COD). Observation result of the heavy metal level of Cd in the water and Mystus nigriceps organs have exceeded the specified threshold. Tissue damage to the liver, kidneys, and gills as necrosis, cell degeneration, and hyperplasia mild to moderate. The highest damage was found at station three, each damage value of 70.7% liver, 59.9% kidney, and 70.9% gills. Water quality measurements result of temperature, pH, DO and COD still optimal supporting fish life. Based on the resulting study, it can conclude that there is a relationship between the amount of damage and the Cd levels in the water and Mystus nigriceps organs. The higher Cd level caused higher damage to the organs.

Keywords

• river
• water pollution
• heavy metal cadmium
• histopathology
• mystus nigriceps
• water quality
• management of the water resources