Abstract
The composition of heavy metals in water and surface soils of iron ore mining sites were investigated to evaluate on the potential occurrence of heavy metal contamination. Physico-chemical characteristics of the waters were also investigated to determine the current status of water quality index (WQI) of the sites. Samples of water and surface soils of active mine (Kuala Lipis) and abandoned mine (Bukit Ibam) in Pahang were collected at four locations, respectively. The physico-chemical parameters measured for WQI were pH, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), suspended solids (SS), and ammoniacal nitrogen (AN). The water quality parameters were classified according to the Department of Environment (DOE) water quality classification. The study revealed that most of the sites in Bukit Ibam and Kuala Lipis were categorized as clean to slightly polluted. On the other hand, heavy metal analysis in water showed that aluminium and manganese level in both sites have exceeded the allowable limits for raw and treated water standards by the Ministry of Health. For heavy metal compositions in soils showed most of the heavy metal concentrations were below the recommended guideline values except for lead, arsenic, zinc and copper.
Highlights
Pahang was reported as the top producer for most minerals in Malaysia [1]
The water quality index have been calculated for both active and abandoned mining sites studied in Pahang
According to Department of Environment (DOE)-water quality index (WQI) classification, the WQI of the sites range from Class I to Class II for both Kuala Lipis and Bukit Ibam mining sites
Summary
Pahang was reported as the top producer for most minerals in Malaysia [1]. there are several abandoned and active mining sites in Pahang that are not properly managed and could possibly become the source for water pollution. From metal to non-metallurgic minerals, both are gradually extracted and exploited to meet the economic demands This industry may bring undesirable impacts to the world especially on the environmental aspects. Over exploitation of these minerals has cause excessive solid waste and wastewaters to remain untreated and discard hazardous substances to the biodiversity [2,3,4,5,6]. These toxic discharges which are the heavy metals and other trace elements can be uncontrollably percolated and penetrated to the soil and creating water and groundwater pollutions. High concentrations of heavy metals can cause potential risk to human health as heavy metal is easy to accumulate into the living tissues [8]
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