Potency of Jatropha integerrima Jacq., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. and Ruellia tweediana as Absorbants of Lead (Pb) in Air

Air pollution is an atmospheric condition with high concentrations of toxic metals that exceed normal limits and are harmful to humans, animals or plants. Jatropha integerrima Jacq., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., and Ruellia tweediana have the potential to absorb (Pb) in the air. The aim of the study to analyze the levels of (Pb), chlorophyll, and the relationship between levels of (Pb) and chlorophyll in the three plant species at different locations. Samples were obtained from three locations with different traffic volumes Mayjend Yono Soewoyo street (100346.50 units/day), Dr. Soetomo street (58997.80 units/day), and Polisi Istimewa street (25692.50 units/day) Surabaya. Each sample was taken as many as 15 leaves at the third node. Leaf (Pb) measurements were carried out by dry ashing method using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and chlorophyll content was measured extraction method followed analysis by Spectrophotometer. Data levels (Pb) and chlorophyll were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s test and correlation test with SPSS Statistics 26. The results showed that (1)Pb levels in the three plants from high to low J. integerrima (0.152±0.032 mg.L-1); H. rosa-sinensis (0.042±0.008 mg.L-1); and R. tweediana (0.007±0.006 mg.L-1), (2)chlorophyll content of plant leaves from high to low R. tweediana (33.891±0.510 mg.L-1); H. rosa-sinensis (28.499±0.32 mg.L-1), and J. integerrima (10.597±1.697 mg.L-1) high volume of vehicles followed by increasing levels of (Pb) and decreasing levels of chlorophyll, namely at Mayjend Yono Soewoyo street, Dr. Soetomo street, and Polisi Istimewa street, (3)there is a correlation between levels (Pb) and leaf chlorophyll content (0.524>0.381). Can be concluded that J. integerrima, H. rosa-sinensis, and R. tweediana have the potential as absorbents (Pb) in the air.