Selected heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd) uptake in Cymbopogon Citratus plant by using atomic absorption spectroscopy

Cymbopogon citratus is known as lemongrass in Asia. Usually, people will use stem’s part of Cymbopogon citratus for cooking and medicinal purpose. This research is to analyze the selected heavy metals distribution such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) in this plant by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). This research is also to compare the fate and transport of heavy metals by using five different concentrations (5 ppm, 10 ppm, 15 ppm, 20 ppm, and 15 ppm) in parts of this plant which are leaves, stems and roots. From the result, Pb has the highest accumulation and been absorbed a lot at the root which is 0.392 mg/L ±0.0307. While Cr, it has been absorbed a lot in root but in certain concentration which is 10 ppm 0.061 mg/L ±0.0179. Cd also can be found a lot in root but also in certain concentration such as 10 ppm, 15 ppm and 25 ppm which are the values 0.009 mg/L ±0.0003, 0.002 mg/L ±0.0020, 0.011 mg/L ±0.0004. Sequence of heavy metal accumulation for these selected heavy metals Cd, Cr and Pb is root > leaves > stems. The significant value between concentration and heavy metals for each pot has determined as (P <0.05).