Cadmium (Cd) absorption capacity in Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau, 1855)

Abstract

Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Suckermouth sailfin catfish or pleco fish) is included in the Loricariidae species capable of adapting to extremely polluted environments such as the Ciliwung River. Several studies have shown that the water of the Ciliwung River contains heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) originating from industrial, agricultural, and household waste around the river. The content of these heavy metals including Cd has been detected in pleco fish's flesh, gills, liver, and bones, which exceeds the maximum limit value set by BPOM 2017. Therefore, this study aimed to calculate the absorption capacity of Cd and the correlation with mortality in pleco fish. The methods used were preliminary and acute toxicity tests, alongside mortality percentages. The results showed that fish could absorb Cd with various concentrations for 12 days of the test. The largest absorption percentage of 95% occurred in the third treatment. This showed a strong correlation of 99% with the percentage level of pleco fish mortality to the Cd content in water.