Abstract
River bed sediments from thirteen (13) sampling stations, from Labu River were collected in June and December 2014. The aim is to identify the source and ascertain the current levels of heavy metal pollutions. The selected heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) were analysed by using Inductively Couple Plasma Mass Spectrophotometry (ICPMS). Metals were statistically analysed and compared with Dutch/Malaysia Sediments Quality Guidelines (Target and intervention values) and the Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines (ISQG and PEL). Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) was calculated and metals were classified. The results showed that the mean value for Cr is 19.74±10.36 mg kg-1, Cu (7.33±2.35 mg kg-1); Fe (7636.39±26.38 mg kg-1); As (11.67±3.59 mg kg-1); Cd (0.097±0.03 mg kg-1) and Pb (26.23±5.33 mg kg-1). The compared sediment guidelines revealed that Cr (51.55 mg kg-1) in SW9, Pb in SW1 (36.43 mg kg-1) and SW13 (37.42 mg kg-1) and As in all of the stations (SW1-SW13) did not meet the Canadian ISQG and were polluted. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) showed that, Cr (-3.38±0.17), Cu (-3.22±0.12), Ni (-3.37±0.24), Zn (-2.14±0.23), Cd (-3.38±0.17) and Pb (-3.22±0.12) were practically uncontaminated. However, As (2.14±0.13) was classified as moderately contaminated. Based on mean concentrations of heavy metals with the compared Sediments Quality Guidelines (SQG) and Index, it is concluded that As is the heavy metal of concern in the Labu catchment. There is need for the authorities to pay more attentions to sediment pollution problem due to As and address riverbed sediment pollution problems in the different locations as indicated by ISQG due to anthropogenic influences from the KLIA, Dengkil sand mine and Agriculture developments projects in the study area.
Highlights
Proliferation of heavy metal through anthropogenic activities is the greatest threat to river bed sediments quality
The results showed that the mean Cr concentration (19.74±10.36 mg kg−1) recorded in all of the stations were not similar and widely varied
The lowest Cr concentrations were observed at the upstream stations (SW1-SW4) while the highest concentration was at SW9 (51.55 mg kg−1) and followed by a relatively higher concentration at SW10 (26.56 mg kg 1)
Summary
Proliferation of heavy metal through anthropogenic activities is the greatest threat to river bed sediments quality. Heavy metal depositions and pollutions in river bed sediments could originate from several sources such as human activities (anthropogenic) or natural source. Lithogenethic sources could be associated with natural cause such as weathering of rocks that tend to enrich river bed with heavy metal laden sediments (Farkas et al, 2007). In the worst cases the heavy metal content might be several orders of magnitude higher than in the water phase itself (Wojtkowska, 2011). This metal from receiving surface water migrates and is remobilized to the underlying bottom sediments. The fact is that bottom sediments have high absorption capacity with regard to trace elements and acts as the
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