Utilization Chlorella sp. with the Addition of EM4 as a Phytoremediation Agent on Samples of Liquid Waste in the Cracker Industry, Indramayu Regency

Abstract

Liquid waste from the cracker industry which is directly discharged into water bodies without prior treatment will cause water pollution which is characterized by a decrease in water quality. One alternative to reduce pollutant compounds biologically is to use the phytoremediation method. Phytoremediation is plant-mediated uptake of pollutants. This study aims to determine the best concentration of EM4 which is in symbiosis with Chlorella sp. in the process of reducing pollutant wastewater from the cracker industry. This study used a completely randomized design with five treatments and three replications. These treatments included PA (without adding EM4), PB (adding EM4 10 ml), PC (adding EM4 15 ml), PD (adding EM4 20 ml), PE (adding EM4 25 ml). The data obtained were analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). If the calculated F is greater than the F table then proceed with the Duncan's Multiple New Range Test (DNMRT) at the 5% level. The results showed that the addition of Chlorella sp. 800 ml (11,8 x 106 cells/ml) and the addition of 25 ml of EM4 is the best concentration in reducing the pollutant content of the cracker industrial wastewater. The PE treatment (EM4 25 ml) had a percentage decrease in the value of BOD5 83.82%, Ammonia of 99.91%, Phosphate of 95.78%, CO2 of 97.78%, and increased the density of Chlorella sp. to 52.08 x 106, DO from 1.7 mg/L to 5.9 mg/L, pH to 8.2, and temperature to 28.8°C. However, the BOD5 value is still very far above the quality standard so it does not meet the quality standard according to Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 Class II and Class III concerning the implementation of environmental protection and management for fishing activities.