Assessment of the Quality of Raw Water for Salt Production in Pangarengan, Sampang, East Java

Abstract

Seawater is the primary raw material for the production of sea salt. Seawater quality dramatically affects to salt production. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the seawater’s quality as a raw material for salt production in Pangarengan, Sampang, East Java, Indonesia. The assessment of water quality in this study includes physical and chemical characteristics. The location of this research was in the salt fields that close to settlements with high anthropogenic activity. Sampling points were the seawater inlet (P1), reservoir plot/bozem (P2), and evaporation plot (P3). Assessment of temperature, pH, salinity and water saturation using in-situ measurements. Determination of heavy metal parameters (Mercury, Cadmium, Lead, and Arsenic) using UV spectrometry. The physical characteristics of the highest water temperatures were in evaporated plot (40°C), while the water temperatures in the seawater entrance and reservoir ponds were respectively 33.5 °C and 36 °C. pH, one of the chemicals parameter, at the seawater entrance, reservoir plot, and evaporated plot were 8.2, 7.7, and 9. The salinity of the three points is more than 33 ‰, and the raw water saturation in the evaporated pool is 24° Be. Analysis of heavy metals in this study showed levels below seawater quality standards for consumption purposes.