Distribution of Cd and Pb (Dissolved and Particulate) in the South China Sea off Dungun-Kemaman Coast

Abstract

Dungun-Kemaman Coast is located in east of Peninsular Malaysia where surrounded with human activities and industrial. The area of this study also influenced by the water inlet from South China Sea Ocean and from the major River of Terengganu Terengganu River, Dungun River, Kemaman River, Pak:a River and other small rivers. There have 12 stations that have been detect the concentration of Cd and Pb in dissolved and particulate fraction. On the other hand, the objective of this study is to determine the status of Cd and Pb concentrations according to Malaysia Interim National Water Quality Standards (INWQS). The particulate samples were separated from water by using 0.45 μm pore size PTFE filter paper. Water (:filtered) samples were subjected to APDC-MIBK pre-concentration and particulate samples were totally digested by using strong acids. Cd and Pb were analyzed using GF AAS and ICP-OES. The range of cadmium concentrations (dissolved) in Dungun-Kemaman Coast is as follow: Dungun (0.031-0.132μgL-1), Pak:a (0.020-0.909μgL-1), Kerteh (0.026-0.065μgL-1) and Kemaman (0.015-0.271μgL-1). Meanwhile, the lead concentrations were Dungun (0.038-0.508μgL-1), Pak:a (0.095-l. l 74μgL-1), Kerteh (0.036-0.358μgL-1) and Kemaman (0.041-0.360μgL-1). According to the INWQS, these concentrations in Dungun-Kemaman coast are classified in Class I (Natural level). In addition, for cadmium particulate fraction in Dungun-Kemaman Coast is as follow: Dungun (26.45-267.5lμgg-1), Pak:a (32.92-202.03μgg-1), Kerteh (l 7.ll- 143.34μgg-1) and Kemaman (ll.34-71.82μgg-1). Meanwhile, the lead concentrations were Dungun (9.16-l 10.70μgg-1), Pak:a (19.42-30.85μgg-1), Kerteh (17.08-65.99 μgg- 1) and Kemaman (15.52-34.98μgg-1).