Accumulation of heavy metals in mangrove species of Setiu and Kuantan mangrove forest

Abstract

The focus of this study is to determine the heavy metal (Cd,Cu,Mn,Pb and Zn) concentration levels in mangrove parts of Sonneratia alba and Rhizopora apiculata and its sediments from Setiu and Kuantan mangrove forest. Accumulations of the heavy metals were very much concentrated in the roots of both species. The concentration of the elements detected in roots showed the highest reading in both the study areas and species. It was also found that all heavy metals detected in the mangrove parts showed a positive coITelation with the elements accumulation in the sediments. Factors affecting the accumulation of heavy metals in mangrove species vary according to the characteristics of the study area; they are pH, clays and oxides, oxidation and reduction, organic matter and uptake mechanisms. Through this research, Sonneratia alba and Rhizopora apiculata showed positive tolerance towards all the elements and the concentration rate varies according to the type of element. The value of concentration factor proved that Rhizopora apiculata can store or absorb more heavy metals than Sonneratia alba. Through the research, it is known that the mangrove parts can be a bioindicator in order to identify the heavy metals present in a certain area.