ABSTRACT
Heavy metals chrome (Cr), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) are metals that have specific gravity more than 5 gr/cm3, with atomic number 22 to 92. Heavy metal is believed to be hazardous for human’s health if it is accumulate excessively inside human’s body. The aim of this research was to know the water and soil around electroplating industry of rainbow exhaust in Purbalingga were polluted by heavy metal Cr, Cu, and Ni that exceeded the threshold allowed by Government Regulation of Republic of Indonesia No. 82 of 2001 and Government Regulation of Republic Indonesia No. 20 of 1990. The method of the research was non-experimental method. The sample of water and soil was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer tool initiated with wet destruction process. The result of the research indicates that in the sample of soil ranged 1, 3, and 5 meters, that assay of Cu was 0,70; 0,15; and 0,15 ppm respectively, that of Cr 2,87; 0,04; and 0,05 ppm respectively, and that of Ni was 0,21; 0,16; and 0,20 ppm respectively. In the sample of water ranged 1, 3, and 5 meters, the assay was found only in Cu at the average of 0,142; 0,151; and 0,586 ppm respectively. The average of the highest assay in the sample of soil for Cu, Cr, and Ni was in the range of 1 meter. Meanwhile, for the sample of water the average of the highest assay was in the range of 5 meters. The assay of Cu and Ni in the sample of soil was under the validated threshold. Meanwhile, that of Cr in the range of 1 meter was above the threshold at 2,87 ppm. For the sample of water, the average of the highest assay in the range of 5 meters was 0,60 ppm. The value was still under the threshold determined by Government.