Heavy metal (Mn, Cu,Cr, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd, Ni) concentrations in surface sediment of Bidong Island water area

Abstract

Sediment collected from 32 stations from Bidong Island water area were analyzed for Pb, Fe, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Mn concentrations. Samples. were collected using Smith McIntyre and analyzed using ICP-MS. The av-erage concentrations of metals were 78.297 ppm for Cr, 48.276 ppm for Cu, 98.039 ppm for Mn, 51. 163 ppm for Zn, 8.405 ppm for Pb, 2.193 % for Fe, 3.551 % for Cd, and 18.518 ppm for Ni. The statistic analysis of Pearson Correlation proved that there is significant relationship between metal concentration and mean size. From enrichment factor, generally metal concentration in the sediment was much influenced by natural process. Sediment texture for most stations was sand and only 2 stations (24 and 28) was loamy sand. The average sorting for all stations is poorly sorting. The data obtained provides a better understanding as well as proper monitoring of pollution level in South China Sea.