The Effect of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) Solution in Different Concentration to the Lead (Pb) Heavy Metal Content of the Smoked Catfish (Pangasius sp)

This research aims to study the effect of soaking smoked catfish in tamarind solution at various concentrations on its heavy metal content. The study was carried out from May to June 2024. Smoked catfish was purchased from I Epil Village, Lais District, Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia. The study used a completely randomized design with one treatment, namely the concentration of tamarind solution, with four treatment levels, namely 0% (A0 or control), 5% (A1), 10% (A2) and 15% (A3), each with three repetitions. The analysis results obtained were processed by using ANOVA, then post host test by using Duncan. Statistical analysis by using the SPSS 20.0. The lead (Pb) analysis showed that the control smoked catfish (A0) contained 0.307µg/g of Pb, exceeding the safe limit set by the Indonesian National Standardization Agency. Soaking in tamarind solution significantly reduced the Pb content, namely A1 (5%) by 89.57% (0.032µg/g), A2 (10%) by 97.39% (0.008µg/g) and A3 (15%) by 91.85 % (0.025µg/g). The hedonic test showed that the aroma and taste were significantly different. Post hoc test results showed that the aroma of A1, A2 and A3 was significantly different from the control (A0); the taste of A1, A2 and A3 were significantly different from the control (A0); A1 is significantly different from A3. Based on the results, it could be concluded that the best treatment is A2 (10%).