Heavy metal in avicennia sp. and rhizophora sp. in Kertih mangrove, Terengganu

Abstract

Studies conducted over the two mangrove trees Avicennia sp. and Rhizophora sp. Roots, bark and leave were taken to determine heavy metal content and concentration value of each element is calculated. Land plant morphology also taken to examine the relevance between the content of heavy metals in plants with heavy metals content in the soil. Elements studied are Fe, Zn, Mn, Al and Cu. The main objective of this study was to determine content of heavy metals in plants and the value taken by the roots, stems and leaves. Besides, this study is to examine the relationship heavy metal content in plant and heavy metal content in soil and differences during the monsoon and before monsoon. Nowadays most of the mangrove areas near the industry zone that contributed greatly to increasing heavy metal in soil and plant that living in that area. Because the role of mangrove area as a buffer zone. Samples were taken from 5 different stations along the Kertih River. Sample taken twice before the monsoon (September 12, 2009) and during the monsoon (December 31, 2010). Result shows that Rhizophora sp. and Avicennia sp. accumulated higher concentration of heavy metals in the root system compared to bark and leaf tissue but lower than surrounding sediment level. The roots of the plants, is the first part which embedded and attached to sediment compared to stems and leaves.