Abstract
Geochemical sediment of the tropical Pinang River, Malaysia was carried out with the aim at documenting elemental concentrations and pollution level assessment. Concentration of selected heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn and Mn), rare earth elements, TOC and grain size distribution of sediments were determined at 100 m sampling interval along the river. Sediment size showed a positive correlation with ∑REE and Mn and medium correlations with TOC, Zn, Cu, Cr and Pb contents showing enrichment in the clay size fraction. Results of enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index showed that most of the elemental sources were natural (especially REE) and mostly likely represented background values. However, pollution load index revealed the higher levels of Cr, Cd, Zn and Pb, and, therefore, indicating to the anthropogenic sources (i.e. fishing activities) especially in the downstream locations. Thus, the Pinang River is classified as moderately to highly polluted.
Highlights
Heavy metals and rare earths elements (REEs) are potentially toxic inorganic substances in the environment
Among the elements measured in surface sediments of Penang River, Cd, Cr, Zn and Pb concentrations were found to be significantly elevated and, might pose a threat to the aquatic ecosystem
A multivariate assessment indicated moderately to highly polluted levels of metals which are in agreement with overall river quality previously classified as degraded but without reporting of the elemental data
Summary
Heavy metals and rare earths elements (REEs) are potentially toxic inorganic substances in the environment. Persistence and bioaccumulation of such elements may reach a certain threshold of toxicity to aquatic life and to the food chain systems [1]-[4]. River sediments carry potential of being repository of metals and may serve as a sink first by sorption of metals from the water column [3] and as a source at elevated levels. (2016) Distribution of Heavy Metals and Rare Earth Elements in the Surface Sediments of Penang River Estuary, Malaysia. Heavy metals and REE are added to the riverine system by natural processes such as rock weathering, volcanic eruption and long distance atmospheric dust [5]. In recent times, the major source of metals is related to the human activities including industry, agriculture, urban development and waste discharge [1] [6] [7]
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