Biomarkers from Latex Drying Plants in Siak River Sediments

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Liebezeit, Gerd | Wöstmann, Ralf | Jose, Christine

Affiliations: Research Centre Terramare, Schleusentrasse 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany | Department of Chemistry, University of Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia

Note: [] Corresponding Author. E-mail: gerd.liebezeit@terramare.de

Abstract: In Pekanbaru, Riau Province, Sumatra, two latex processing plants discharge wastewater rich in particulate and dissolved organic matter to the Siak river. The immediate effect is a marked enrichment of total organic carbon in the sediment adjacent to the discharge point. Biomarkers specific for Hevea brasiliensis were also found in the discharged process water. These compounds could be detected up to 25 km downstream.

Keywords: Hevea brasiliensis, latex, biomarker, sediment, river, Siak, Sumatra, Indonesia

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 1-5, 2009