DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/jil.24.5.1124-1131

The Potential of Swiftlets (Aerodramus fuciphagus) as Bioindicators of Air Pollution Through Heavy Metal (Pb) Analysis

Program Studi Biologi, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia

Received: 22 Apr 2026; Revised: 30 Aug 2026; Accepted: 2 Sep 2026; Available online: 29 Sep 2026; Published: 30 Sep 2026.
Editor(s): Budi Warsito

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Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the potential of swiftlets (Aerodramus fuciphagus) as bioindicators of air pollution by analyzing air quality and lead (Pb) accumulation. The research was conducted in two contrasting environments: an industrial area in Gresik, Indonesia, and a non-industrial area in Lawas, Sarawak, Malaysia. Air quality parameters—specifically PM2.5, PM10, and CO—were measured, while Pb concentrations in feathers and nests were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Two-Way ANOVA. The results showed that the PM2.5 concentration in Gresik (31 µg/m³) exceeded WHO standards, whereas in Lawas (13 µg/m³), it remained below the threshold. Pb concentrations in swiftlet feathers ranged from 0.328–0.341 ppm in Gresik and 0.319–0.329 ppm in Lawas, while concentrations in nests ranged from 0.059–0.061 ppm and 0.051–0.062 ppm, respectively. Two-Way ANOVA results indicated that the study location (p = 0.024) and sample type (p < 0.001) significantly influenced Pb concentrations, whereas the interaction between the two factors was not significant (p = 0.187). Higher Pb concentrations in feathers compared to nests suggest that feathers possess a greater capacity for heavy metal accumulation. These findings indicate that swiftlets—specifically their feathers—have the potential to serve as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution across environments with varying levels of anthropogenic activity.
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Keywords: Bioindicators; Swiftlets; Air Pollution; Pb; PM2,5

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Section: Research Article
Language : EN
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