The status of heavy metal levels in a Ramsar site, Kuala Gula bird sanctuary: the impact of the anthropogenic inputs

Abstract

Distributions of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the surface sediments from two sites of the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, Malaysia were monitored for a period of 6 months from October 2006 to March 2007. In December 2006, the concentration of Zn in one location was significantly ( p50.05) higher (3.9 AE 1.3 mg kg À1 ) than the other metals at both sites, but in the oxidizable organic fraction it was highest at both sites during October; with mean concentrations of 18 mg kg À1 at both locations. In the acid-reducible fraction, high concentrations of Pb (2.3 mg kg À1 ) were detected at station 2 in February 2007, being highest among all four metals at both stations. The acid-reducible fraction found in Pb ranged from 0.10% to 3.1% in both stations. Percentages ranging from 51% to 96% were observed for all four metals in the resistant fraction throughout the sampling period. These results indicate low contributions from anthropogenic sources. The findings constitute a baseline data archive for future reference.

Exposure of the endangered Milky stork population to cadmium and lead via food and water intake in Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, Perak, Malaysia

“…Metals level in the sediment could be one of the important factors that contribute to their accumulation in the animals [22] . For instance, lead level in the surface sediment of Kuala Gula coastal area was reported to be between 12 and 29 ppm [23] and 28–47 ppm [2] which are considerably high. Although moderate correlations between metal levels in sediment and the samples collected were found, they were not significant (p > 0.05).…”

Preliminary Assessment of Corbicula fluminea in Saiburi River, Southern Thailand

“…The phosphate in Saiburi River might be originated from the irrigation water whereby the continuous use of water in the irrigation system would indirectly release the diluted phosphorus from fertilizer and soil into the stream (Yolthantham, 2007). However, the concentration of phosphorus in this river was not according to the NWQI standard, since it exceeded 0.2mg/l, which is the maximum level for Class II river in Malaysia (Lomoljo et al, 2009).…”

Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Sediments of Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve

“…The effect of consistent anthropogenic activities, as reported by Rahman et al (2013), was evidenced in the decline of wild Milky Stork population from surface sediment samples in foraging areas. A study by Lomoljo et al (2010) in Kuala Gula bird sanctuary showed lower concentrations of heavy metals due to minimal human activities around the study area (Table 8). However, findings by Lomoljo et al (2010) claimed that even though the concentrations in certain areas might be low, as in the study area (MMFR), it might increase through bioaccumulation.…”

“…A study by Lomoljo et al (2010) in Kuala Gula bird sanctuary showed lower concentrations of heavy metals due to minimal human activities around the study area (Table 8). However, findings by Lomoljo et al (2010) claimed that even though the concentrations in certain areas might be low, as in the study area (MMFR), it might increase through bioaccumulation. Therefore, a follow-up study should be conducted to monitor the levels of contamination in the reserve forest.…”