Eco-toxic risk assessment and source distribution of trace metals in surface sediments of the coastal and in four rivers estuary of Sarawak
Loading...
Date
2002
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences
Abstract
Background: Trace metals pollution in the coastal and estuarine sediment could harm water quality and aquatic
organisms, leading to potential long-term health risks on the environment and humans. Thus, the purpose of this
study was to conduct an assessment of selected trace metals in surface sediments of the coastal and in four rivers
estuary in the Sarawak State of Malaysia to investigate their distribution, environmental risk, and potential source
distribution.
Results: Average concentrations of trace metals in sediment increased in the following order: Cd ˂ As ˂ Co ˂ Cu ˂ Ni
˂ Cr ˂ Zn ˂ Mn ˂ Mg ˂ Fe. The enrichment, contamination, and geo-accumulation index results showed that surface
sediments were polluted with Zn and Mg. In contrast, the other metals (i.e., As, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, Cu, Co, and Cd) indicated
background concentration to minor contamination. Generally, the pollution load index values showed that almost
all the sampling sites were unpolluted with the selected trace metals. Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and risk
indexes were employed to assess the ecotoxicological risk of trace metal contamination in the sediments. The results
proved that studied trace metals are not likely to have a deleterious impact on bottom-dwelling organisms. Still, a further accumulation of trace metals such as Zn, Ni, and Cr with time may adversely afect bottom-dwelling organisms.
The risk index results showed a low ecological risk to the study sites. The correlation analysis and principal component analysis indicated that nine studied trace metals have strong interrelationships, suggesting common pollution
sources or similar geochemical characteristics.
Conclusions: The study highlights the need to make tremendous efforts to monitor and control trace metal pollution in the coastal and estuarine areas.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Trace metals, Eco-toxic risk, Surface sediments, Pollutants, Bottom-dwelling organisms