Assessing the influence of shoreline proximity and anthropogenic activities on surface seawater quality in the coastal area of Port Dickson, Straits of Malacca, Malaysia

This study evaluates the impact of shoreline proximity and human activities on surface seawater quality in the Port Dickson coastal area, Malaysia. Eight transects were selected along the Port Dickson shoreline, with three sampling stations at each transect, totaling 24 stations. These stations were located at distances of 0.05, 1.00, and 2.00 kilometers from the shoreline. Anthropogenic activities were documented through direct observations and analysis of local records. The physicochemical seawater parameters assessed included temperature, pH, salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demands (BOD), ammonia (NH4), nitrate (NO3), phosphate (PO4), and fecal coliform (FC)- Escherichia coli ( E. coli ). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in most parameters across distances, except for E. coli, which exhibited significantly higher concentrations near the shoreline (p < 0.01). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Factor Analysis (FA) identified distinct parameter groupings, indicating that salinity, conductivity, nutrients, and organic-related parameters were primarily influenced by anthropogenic activities in the study area. The baseline data collected can serve as a valuable reference for future monitoring, comparisons, and trend analysis, while also providing a foundation for predictive modeling of future hydrological changes. Continued surveillance and expanded parameter assessments are recommended to manage and preserve the environmental health of the region.

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