Detection and Identification of Heavy Metal and Microbiological Contamination in Traditional Water Resources (Beji) in Bali

This study aimed to determine the safety level of water in traditional water spring (beji) which are commonly used by people in low-lying rural areas in Bali for daily needs. The safety aspects examined in this study are from the chemical and biological aspects, namely the content of heavy metals and the content of harmful bacteria (such as E. coli and coliforms, others, Shigella, Salmonella, Pseuodomonas and other bacteria) from the water spring. This research in the long term aims to provide knowledge to the community as users of beji water sources, and the government as a regulator about the condition and safety of water sources in the rural community environment, and which is good and safe for public health.

The research method to be carried out is the collection of water samples from beji throughout Bali. Furthermore, the water samples were tested for heavy metal content using the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) method. The water samples are then grown on specific media to identify the types of bacterial biological contaminants, to then quantify the heavy metal and biological contaminants.

The specific target to be achieved in this research is to know the general security conditions of traditional springs (beji) in Bali, identify areas where heavy metal and biologically polluted areas are found, and determine whether these metal and biological contaminants are still acceptable (acceptable) or not in the SNI rules about drinking water.