Abstract :
This study aims to determine the juice of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)
in reducing levels of heavy metal mercury. Tamarind juice was tested by
phytochemical screening to determine secondary metabolite compounds in
tamarind juice so that it can be used to reduce levels of mercury. Determination of
mercury levels by means of tamarind juice added a metal simulation of mercury
10 ppm which is read on atomic absorption spectrophotometry at a wavelength of
253,7 nm. Determination of the reduction in mercury is done by using a series of
concentrations of tamarind juice of 0,5%, 1%, 1,5%, 2% and 2,5%. The results
showed positive tamarind juice containing active compounds of citric acid,
flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and steroids and produced an average
concentration value that could reduce mercury up to 50% (EC50) by 2,3% with
coefficient of variation 0,22%.