Interpretation of anthropogenic input of metals in the South China Sea bottom sediments off Terengganu (Malaysia) coastline using Al as a reference element

Abstract

The metal concentrations in surface sediment of the South China Sea off the Terengganu coastline were determined. Cu, Cr and Zn concentrations were comparable to values for offshore regions of the South China Sea and of concentrations of coastal sediments from the more developed west coast of Malaysia. Direct comparisons with earth crust values for Cd and Pb ratios to Al indicate anthropogenic pollution by these metals. As the sediments of the area studied are composed of significant proportions of quartz and carbonate, from shells and coral, direct ratioing to Al would result in anomalous values. Thus enrichment factor (EF) values using Al as a reference element were determined and showed that sampling sites off the major rivers of Terengganu were anthropogenically influenced by Pb and Cd. Sources of pollution are probably sewage, agricultural wastes and atmospheric deposition of Pb from the use of leaded petrol.