Vertical distributions of zinc, cadmium, lead and copper in sediments of selected coastal areas in the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

A comprehensive study on sediment profile is important in comprehending the historical condition of sediment degradation by heavy metal content elevation caused by anthropogenic activities such as agricultural practices, urbanization, and industries such as tourism. The extraction of heavy metals in sediment particularly in getting measurement with good accuracy and precision is challenging, hence, this study includes the optimization of heavy metals extraction in sediment through acid digestion, assessing sediment quality from Sungai Buloh, Bagan Pasir estuary, and Kampung Baharu coastline through the determination of heavy metal profiles, and analyzing data using pollution indices. The optimization of metals namely zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) extractions from Certified Reference Material, BCR®-667 of Estuarine Sediment was carried out to get good metals recoveries with Differential Pulse Stripping Voltammetry (DPSV) and Inductive Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) determination. The recovery values determined by DPSV and ICP-MS ranged from 18.85-154.38% and 75.28- 90.13%, respectively, where Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu were simultaneously measured in BCR®-667. The mixture of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and hydrofluoric acid coupled with ICP-MS determination was selected as the best method and employed to assess the status of Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu distribution in core sediments of Bagan Pasir estuary, Sungai Buloh, and the coastline of Kampung Baharu, Port Dickson. Based on the vertical profiles of heavy metals concentrations, the order of metals in decreasing manner was Zn>Pb>Cu>Cd in Bagan Pasir estuary and Sungai Buloh stations, while Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd in Kampung Baharu, Port Dickson. Most of the means of the analyzed metals were below Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines and the effect range-low (ERL) in all sampling locations except for Cu in Kampung Baharu coastline and Zn in Sungai Buloh where their concentrations ranges were between the ERL and effect range-median (ERM). The results of geo-accumulation index, contamination factor and pollution load index classified the sediment quality as not polluted with studied metals with the exception of the element Pb at certain depths of the sediment cores as well as historical pollution at bottom sediment of SB2 sediment core. Therefore, heavy metal concentration in the sediments of these three areas were not at an alarming stage, however, requires regular monitoring from the authorities to maintain sustainable management of these areas.

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