Sediment Characteristics and Trace Metal Concentrations in the Surface Sediments of Miang Mangrove Forest, Malaysia

B. Y. Kamaruzzaman, A. W. M. Effendy, A. A. Shamsuddin, K. Zaleha, and M. Maged

Institute of Oceanography, Kolej Universiti Sains and Teknologi Malaysia, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu (Malaysia)

Surface sediments collected from 3 transects (54 sampling points) in the Miang mangrove forest were analysed for the sediment characteristics and some trace metals such as Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn. There is a significant (P<0.05) relationship between sediment characteristics with the seasonal changes with a decreasing mean particle size occurring during monsoon seasons. In general, the concentration of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in this study show considerable variation spatially, largely appear to be controlled by natural processes. This was supported by their enrichment factors (EF) which have values significantly about unity and are considered to be dominantly terigenous in origin. Two general zones of metals distribution were identified in the study areas with an estuary zone are characterized by low metal concentrations, while the upper upstream transects has relatively higher metal concentrations. Meanwhile, the metal concentrations within the sampling points of each transects were significantly higher near the riverside.

Chromium; Copper; Lead; Mangrove; Sediment characteristics; Zinc