Enrichment and Distribution of Elements Concentration in Sediment of Sungai Balok, Pahang

Abstract

Sungai Balok, Pahang is one of the rivers that has been impacted by anthropogenic pollution in the surrounding area that contributes to increase the level of river pollution. The purpose of the study was to estimate the pollution levels using sediment indices include pollution load index (PLI), Enrichment Factor (EF) and Index of Geo-accumulation (Igeo). The sediment core samples were taken from five sampling points along Sungai Balok from upstream to downstream towards coastal area. The sediment samples were sliced into 2 cm aggregates from surface down to bottom of the sediment core. Then, the samples were oven dried, pulverized and digested using acid digestion prior to analyze using Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The average concentration of the elements in sediment core which are shows in the following order: As > Pb > Zn> Cr > Mn. It was found that the elements concentrations distribution varied between the vertical layer. The assessment of the degree of pollutant in sediment were done based on sediment pollution indices.