A study on the heavy metal contents and sedimentological characteristics in sediments of Kerteh lagoon, Terengganu

Abstract

Surface sediment from 12 stations in Kerteh lagoon area were analyzed for metals Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Ferurn (Fe), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), total organic carbon and particle size. Metals were analyzed by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Results showed that average concentration during pre-monsoon was 0.027 mg/kg for Cd, 6.60 mg/kg for Cu, 52.90 mg/kg for Cr, 91.1 mg/kg for Mn, 13.1 mg/kg for Pb, 26.4 mg/kg for Zn and 0.77% for Fe. On the other hand, during monsoon seasons, Cd has an average concentration of 0.022 mg/kg, 3.81 mg/kg for Cu, 21.0 mg/kg for Cr, 46.65 mg/kg for Mn, 6.11 mg/kg for Pb, 22.48 mg/kg for Zn and 0.65% for Fe respectively. From the results it showed that the sediments had high concentration of Pb and relatively low concentration of Fe. Normalization of metals (Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, Cr) to Fe as a reference element indicated relatively moderate enrichment factors for Pb. Most of the elements studied in sediments were derived from natural sources and in minimum pollution level.