Journal of Sustainability Science and Management eISSN: 2672-7226 Volume 15 Number 4, June 2020: 109-119 © Penerbit UMT

DISTRIBUTION, SOURCES AND MODIFIED DEGREE OF CONTAMINATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN ESTUARY SURFACE SEDIMENTS,

MD SUHAIMI ELIAS*1,2, SHARIFF IBRAHIM1, KAMARUDIN SAMUDING3, JEREMY ANDY DOMINIC DAUNG3, NESAMALAR KANTASAMY1, SHAMSIAH AB RAHMAN2 AND AZIAN HASHIM2

1School of Chemistry and Environment, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University Technology MARA (UiTM), 40450, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. 2Analytical Chemistry Application Group (ACA), Waste and Environmental Technology Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia. 3Environmental Tracer Application Group (E-TAG), Waste and Environmental Technology Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: [email protected] Submitted: 8 September 2019 Accepted: 5 March 2020 http://doi.org/10.46754/jssm.2020.06.011

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to assess the trace elements of barium (Ba), bromine (Br), cesium (Cs), cobalt (Co), hafnium (Hf), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), rubidium (Rb), scandium (Sc) and vanadium (V) in the surface sediments of Linggi estuary in , Malaysia, using the neutron activation analysis (NAA) technique. Results showed that the average concentration of Br, Cs, Hf, Rb, Sc and V were 75.1, 12.6, 10.0, 146, 10.6 and 80.5 mg/kg, respectively, which were all higher than the upper continental crust (UCC) reference values. However, the average concentration values of Ba, Co, Mn, and Fe were 272, 6.39, 350, and 26,547 mg/kg, respectively, which were all relatively lower compared to the UCC values of the respective elements. The provenance of Br and Hf were from seawater and marine organisms, while Cs and V came from from anthropogenic activities, such as discharge from electronic factories and vehicle workshops. The element of Rb and Sc originated from geogenic processes, such as erosion, landslide and weathering. Overall, the trace element contamination in surface sediments of Linggi estuary was categorised

as moderate to highly modified degree of contamination mC( d), and these could result in adverse effects on benthic dwelling organisms and aquatic life.

Keywords: Linggi estuary, trace element, concentration, modified degree of contamination.

Introduction Studies on sediment elemental pollution Estuaries can be efficient traps for suspended due to major, trace and rare earth elements in matter that are commonly associated with the estuaries and coastal areas of Malaysia are still elements (major and trace metals) and organic limited (Looi et al., 2013; Elias et al., 2018a). The compounds (Liu et al., 2018) China. Sediments sources of trace element contamination in marine were analysed for heavy metals (Hg, As, Cd, Cr, and freshwater sediments mainly originate from Cu, Pb, and Zn. Contaminant plumes of trace two sources, namely anthropogenic and geogenic elements are usually conveyed out to sea by rivers, processes. The major activities that contribute to and significant processes of sedimentation will anthropogenic process are sand mining, logging, occur in estuaries. The geochemistry processes of land clearing, road construction, manufacturing, trace element accumulation in estuary sediments domestic sewage, crop planting (palm oil and involve the mixing of suspended sediments (trace rubber), livestock farming and shipping activities element pollution); resuspension of sediments (Yap et al., 2010; Ashraf et al., 2017; Elias et al., by waves, tidal effects and dredging activities; 2018a; 2018b). Meanwhile, geogenic process mobilization and precipitation of sediments in occurs with weathering of soil and rocks, coastal the water column; flocculation and coagulation and riverbank erosion, terrestrial runoff and of sediments; and, adsorption and desorption of atmosphere deposition (Ashraf et al., 2017; Elias sediments due to salinity and/or turbidity effects et al., 2018b). (Zwolsman & Eck, 1999). Md Suhaimi Elias et al. 110

The Linggi river (Sungai Linggi) is located higher concentrations. The purpose of this study in the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan. From is to determine the concentration distribution the highlands, it flows past urban and industrial and contamination level of trace elements areas around the state capital , and (barium (Ba), Br, cobalt (Co), Cs, hafnium into the Straits of Malacca at its estuary (Kuala (Hf), manganese (Mn), Rb, scandium (Sc) and Linggi) near the coastal town of Port Dickson V) and the major element ferum (Fe) in Linggi and the neighbouring state of Malacca. It is estuary sediments using a modified degree considered a heavily polluted river and its water of contamination (mCd) classification. quality has been classified as Class III out of Identification of contamination level in the five classes by the Department of Environment estuary sediments is important to gauge the (DOE, 2006). The discharge of terrigenous level and effect of elemental pollution to benthic substances and plumes upstream, which include and other organisms. In addition, this study also heavy, major and trace metals, will eventually provides crucial information to identify specific pollute its estuary surface sediments. This will elements contributing to major pollutions in this bring an adverse impact on the flora and fauna, area. especially fish, bivalves and benthic dwelling Materials and Methods organisms that directly inhabit the sediments (Ashraf et al., 2017). Study Area and Sampling Procedure Anthropogenic (metalworks, electronics, Surface sediment samples (0 – 10 cm) at the agriculture and mining) and geogenic processes Linggi estuary were collected from 13 locations (terrestrial runoff, river and coastal erosion, shown in Figure 1. The sediments were and weathering) have been identified as the transferred into acid washed polyethylene bottles. contributors of rare earth elements (REEs), Surface sediment samples were stored below o heavy metals and actinides (thorium and 4 C in an icebox before being transported to the uranium) in the surface sediments of Linggi Malaysian Nuclear Agency laboratory in Bangi, estuary (Elias et al., 2018b). Trace elements of Selangor, for further analysis. Surface sediment o bromine (Br), rubidium (Rb), vanadium (V), samples were dried at 60 C in an oven for one and cesium (Cs) are essential to aquatic life week or until the weight became constant. This (Ashraf et al., 2017). However, they can be was followed by pulverization using an agate toxic to human health and other life forms at mortar to less than 63 µm mesh size.

Figure 1: Study area and sampling sites of surface sediments at Linggi estuary

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Analysis of Surface Sediments by Neutron based on the thesis that a sedimentological risk Activation Analysis (NAA) Technique index for toxic substances in limnic systems Approximately 150 to 200 mg of homogenous should at least account for the four following powdered surface sediments were weighed and requirements: 1. Eight species of pollutants (As, placed into polyethylene vials before irradiation Cu, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Zn and PCB) were proposed at the PUSPATI TRIGA Research Reactor by Hakanson (1980) for degree of contamination (C ) measurement. The C calculation was facility. The duplicate surface sediment samples, d d based on the contamination factor (C ) of each standard reference materials (SRM) (IAEA Soil- f pollutant. The C was the concentration value 7 and SL-1) and blank were irradiated on the f rotary rack of the research reactor at 570 kW. of trace element in sample divided by upper The surface sediment samples were irradiated continental crust value (UCC), as shown in for six hours, then allowed for decay process of equation (2): two to four days and followed by one hour of counting. The counting process of the irradiated (2) samples, SRM and blanks were performed using where: M is the interest trace element a gamma spectrometer. The trace elements in x concentration value in sample; Mb is interest the surface sediment samples were identified trace element of upper continental crust or according to their specific energies produced background value. by gamma rays. The net peak areas (gamma ray intensity) of the trace elements in the surface The classification terminologies and sediment samples were compared to the SRM calculation formula were based on restriction (IAEA Soil-7) as standard comparator for to the eight species of pollution. The sum of the purpose of concentration measurement. the eight species of pollution of Cf values was Calculation of trace element concentrations defined as the overall Cd in a sediment using in surface sediment samples were performed equation (3) as proposed by Hakanson (1980) according to Equation (1) (Joel et al., 2018; in equation 3. Elias et al., 2018a). (3) (1) All eight species of pollution should be analysed to get the correct C value. However, where: Csmp and Cstd are the trace element d concentration in surface sediment sample and due to limitations (restriction to eight elements and substances) related to the calculation of standard; NAsmp and NAstd are the net peak area of trace element in surface sediment sample and Cd proposed by Hakanson (1980), a modified degree of contamination (mC ) formulation was standard; Msmp and Mstd are the surface sediment d sample weight and standard weight, respectively. introduced by Abrahim & Parker (2008). The formula for degree of contamination (Cd) was Modified Degree of Contamination (mC ) generalised by defining the modified degree d of contamination (mC ) as the sum of all the Overaccumulation of trace elemental pollution d contamination factors (Cf) divided by the in surface sediments would lead to adverse number of analysed pollutants. The modified effects and pose potential ecological risks to degree of contamination (mCd) formula is the Linggi estuary ecosystem. The degree of shown in equation (4): contamination (Cd) was one of the tools to assess the level of trace element contamination in (4) rivers and marine sediments (Hakanson, 1980) i.e. to sort out which lakes/basins and substances where: n, i, and Cf are the total number should be given special attention. The work is of elements, ith element or pollutant, and contamination factor, respectively. The mCd Journal of Sustainability Science and Management Volume 15 Number 4, June 2020: 109-119 Md Suhaimi Elias et al. 112 formulation allowed incorporation of many The estimated mean concentration value elements (pollutants) and, therefore, posed no of Hf content in mineral soil was 6.4 mg/kg, limit to the number of elements and organic which was within values of 2 to 20 mg/kg. pollutions for mCd measurement. The average Hf concentration in the surface sediments of Linggi estuary and UCC was 10.0 Contour Maps and 5.8 mg/kg, respectively. The relatively higher Hf concentration in the surface sediments The contour maps of the trace element of Linggi estuary was most likely contributed concentration were generated using Surfer by sea organisms. The main areas with high software version 11.0. Kriging interpolations concentrations of Hf were clearly indicated in were applied to illustrate the contour map locations NSL 8, NSL 10, NSL 11 and NSL 13, of trace element concentrations in surface which were at the open sea, compared to NSL sediments of the Linggi estuary. 01 and NSL 02 near the estuary as depicted in Figure 2(e). Results and Discussion There was also elevated Hf concentrations in Distribution Concentration and Sources of Sabah sediments (deep sea) compared to average Trace Elements shale baseline value (Ashraf et al., 2017). This The concentrations of trace elements comprising indicated that Hf pollution could also originate Ba, Br, Co, Cs, Hf, Mn, Rb, Sc and V, and the from marine life. Its presence in Sabah in major element Fe in Linggi estuary sediments sediments could be categorised from unpolluted and UCC values are tabulated in Table 1. The to moderately polluted. However, other studies contour maps of trace and major elements are indicated that the sources of Hf could also be depicted in Figure 2(a) to 2(j). The average from sewage sludge and manufacturing waste concentrations of Br, Cs, Hf, Rb, Sc and V were from industries, such as metalworks, electrical 46.9, 2.2, 1.7, 1.3, 1.5, and 1.5 times higher and electronic factories and alloy smelters compared to their UCC, respectively. This (Ashraf et al., 2017; Kabata-Pendias & Szteke, indicated that there were additional sources of 2015). The Br and Hf sources in the surface Br, Hf, Cs, Rb, Sc and V pollutants originating sediments of Linggi estuary mostly originated from inland activities and waters of Linggi area. from the sea (sea salt, organism, bivalve, and marine life). The average concentration of Br The average Br concentration in the surface in surface sediments of Linggi estuary is 75.1 sediments of Linggi estuary and UCC were 75.1, mg/kg, which was higher compared to average and 1.6 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations concentration of Br in Linggi river sediments of Br in soil varied from < 10 to 130 mg/kg while (14.6 mg/kg) (Elias, 2020). This probably Br concentration in the seawater was estimated indicated that the Br originated from the estuary, at < 67.7 to 3,000 mg/L (Cohen, 2014; Alina and it had travelled upstream. The study by & Szteke, 2015). Bromine salts and organic Ashraf et al., (2017) also found the average bromine substances were represented as Br and concentration of Br in Sabah sediments to be was one of the major substances in seawater. at 68.17 mg/kg, which was slightly comparable Br was produced by sea organisms as organic with the average concentration in Linggi estuary. bromine (Lenntech, 2019). Br concentration in The concentration of Br and Hf at sampling the deep-sea sediments off the state of Sabah in locations NSL 12 and 13, which were further in Borneo (deep sea) ranged from 36.9 to 188.3 the open sea, were relatively higher compared mg/kg (average 68.2 mg/kg) (Ashraf et al., to other locations adjacent to the river mouth as 2017). The Br source in the surface sediments shown in Figures 2(b) and 2(e). of Linggi estuary could also originate from sea organisms. However, the average concentrations of Cs, Rb, Sc, and V were relatively higher in

Journal of Sustainability Science and Management Volume 15 Number 4, June 2020: 109-119 DISTRIBUTION, SOURCES AND MODIFIED DEGREE OF CONTAMINATION 113 the surface sediments of Linggi river, and they sediments of Linggi estuary and UCC were 146 gradually decreased towards the estuary as and 110 mg/kg, respectively. These showed that shown in Figures 2(d), 2(g), 2(h) and 2(i). This the average concentrations of Rb in the estuary indicated that the sources of Cs, Rb, Sc, and V surface sediments were slightly comparable to pollutants probably originated from upstream of UCC, indicating that the possible sources of Rb the Linggi river basin. was from geogenic processes. The Cs content in various soil varied from The average Sc concentrations in the < 1 to 30 mg/kg (Kabata-Pendias & Szteke, surface sediments of Linggi estuary and UCC 2015), and since the element easily dissolves were 10.6 and 7.0 mg/kg, respectively. However, in water, it was, therefore, strongly adsorbed Sc content values ranged from 0.8 to 28 mg/kg, by clay minerals. The average concentration of with an average of 12.0 mg/kg (worldwide). Cs in the surface sediments of Linggi estuary The Sc sources were mainly derived from was 12.6 mg/kg, relatively higher than the granitic and volcanic rocks (geogenic) that UCC (5.8 mg/kg) and deep-sea sediments of a underwent terrestrial runoff and erosion. The sea off Sabah. The Cs values measured in the amount of Sc in phosphate fertilizer, mostly Sabah ocean (deep sea) ranged from 1.85 to 6.18 found in agricultural soils, could be measured mg/kg, with an average of 3.42 mg/kg (Ashraf to about 40 mg/kg (Kabata-Pendias & Szteke, et al., 2017). This clearly indicated that Cs 2015). The sources of Sc in surface sediments sources in Linggi estuary originated upstream of Linggi estuary were most likely from granitic as depicted in Figure 2(d). The pollution likely and geogenic processes because the average came from an area where the river flowed past concentration of Sc was comparable to the UCC vehicle workshops and electroplating factories value. in Seremban (Elias, et al., 2018a). After the Vanadium concentrations ranged from 70 workshops and factories in Seremban, the river to 320 mg/kg, with an average of 130.0 mg/ also flowed past the Senawang industrial estate, kg (worldwide) in soil. Its concentration in the which hosted several chemical, electrical and surface sediments of Linggi estuary and UCC lubricant factories (Nather Khan & Lim, 1991). values were 80.5 and 53.0 mg/kg, respectively. These industries may be the contributors of Cs Vanadium concentration in argillaceous pollution, which would be carried by the river to sediments might be up to 130 mg/kg, whereas the Linggi estuary. it was 60 mg/kg in coal and 1,300 mg/kg in Rb concentration in the earth’s crust ranged crude oil. The same metal’s concentrations in from 90 to 110 mg/kg (Kabata-Pendias & sediments of Scheldt estuary in the Netherlands Szteke, 2015). There was approximately < 100 ranged from 60 to 116 mg/kg (average 95 mg/ to 200 mg/kg of Rb in igneous rocks, and < 120 kg) (Zwolsman & Eck, 1999). In the sediments to 200 mg/kg in sedimentary argillaceous rocks of Xinjiang river, China, it was between 43.9 (Kabata-Pendias & Szteke, 2015). Geogenic and 210 mg/kg (average 117 mg/kg) (Chai et al., sources of Rb usually included land clearing, 2016). And in South China Sea sediments, its soil, riverbank and coastal erosion, and the range was between 0.03 and 148 mg/kg (average industrial sources such as glass dust, electronic 78 mg/kg) (Zhu et al., 2011). Vanadium sources tubes, ceramic and photocell manufacturing mainly originated from crude petroleum, (Ashraf et al., 2017). The man-made causes of lubricants, coal combustion, steel alloys and Rb pollution were mainly sewage sludge and vehicle emission (Kabata-Pendias & Szteke, phosphate fertilizers from farming (Kabata- 2015). The possible sources of vanadium in the Pendias & Szteke, 2015). The average Rb surface sediments of Linggi estuary were likely concentration in sewage sludge and phosphate from the Seremban and Senawang industrial fertilizers were < 100.0 and 5mg/kg, respectively. parks, where vehicle workshops and industrial The average concentrations of Rb in the surface activities were located (Elias et al., 2018b).

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Meanwhile, the average concentrations relatively higher Fe concentration than the of Ba, Co, Mn, and Fe were less than the UCC value (Table 1). However, the average Fe UCC values of the respective elements. The concentration shown was relatively lower value concentrations of Ba, Co and Mn were relatively than UCC. This indicated that there were no lower than the corresponding UCC values in enrichment of Ba, Co, Mn and Fe pollutants in all locations, whereas three locations showed the surface sediments of Linggi estuary. Fe 26547 30890 29540 ± 910 30820 ± 313 30246 ± 255 31971 ± 477 27663 ± 174 20551 ± 839 29453 ± 813 22278 ± 744 17755 ± 523 30421 ± 969 17322 ± 563 33656 ± 2079 23437 ± 6368 V 80.5 53.0 112 ± 7 112 102 ± 5 98.3 ± 3.5 85.0 ± 0.9 90.5 ± 1.5 96.8 ± 6.7 79.8 ± 5.6 71.4 ± 8.7 35.9 ± 0.6 76.6 ± 5.1 55.6 ± 8.3 45.7 ± 2.1 97.1 ± 10.4 Sc 7.0 10.6 12.6 ± 0.1 12.5 ± 0.4 10.7 ± 0.1 12.2 ± 0.2 12.6 ± 0.4 10.8 ± 0.4 10.6 ± 0.1 12.3 ± 0.1 14.4 ± 0.5 8.52 ± 0.08 6.52 ± 0.06 7.40 ± 0.31 6.81 ± 0.40 Rb 110 146 84 ± 3 76 ± 7 116 ± 1 116 ± 4 115 184 ± 7 177 ± 5 156 ± 3 155 ± 3 139 ± 3 197 ± 8 207 ± 9 118 ± 58 118 172 ± 14 350 527 Mn 420 ± 7 269 ± 6 266 ± 8 229 ± 3 711 ± 20 711 245 ± 11 488 ± 28 435 ± 19 374 ± 14 263 ± 48 324 ± 27 203 ± 14 321 ± 23 Hf 5.8 10.0 11.6 ± 0.2 11.6 15.2 ± 1.4 12.6 ± 0.8 12.6 ± 0.6 15.9 ± 1.7 5.94 ± 0.45 7.81 ± 0.43 8.55 ± 0.18 9.19 ± 2.33 9.38 ± 0.16 7.59 ± 0.39 6.36 ± 0.29 7.35 ± 0.09 Cs 5.8 12.6 19.0 ± 0.5 14.7 ± 0.9 15.3 ± 0.2 12.6 ± 0.6 14.3 ± 0.4 13.4 ± 0.1 12.1 ± 0.2 10.4 ± 0.2 17.9 ± 0.5 10.4 ± 0.3 10.3 ± 0.3 6.68 ± 0.30 6.48 ± 0.49 Co 11.6 6.39 5.11 ± 0.14 5.11 4.83 ± 0.14 7.58 ± 0.45 6.38 ± 0.16 6.35 ± 0.06 7.15 ± 0.12 8.26 ± 0.20 6.69 ± 0.14 4.36 ± 0.15 6.06 ± 0.23 5.59 ± 0.23 9.49 ± 0.49 5.27 ± 0.30 Br 1.6 75.1 105 ± 3 103 ± 8 105 ± 2 93.4 ± 1.8 67.3 ± 0.3 52.5 ± 0.2 35.7 ± 1.1 70.5 ± 0.1 54.5 ± 0.5 46.4 ± 2.3 88.0 ± 1.7 81.7 ±12.7 73.3 ± 13.8 Ba 272 668 270 ± 11 250 ± 58 318 ± 25 302 ± 14 289 ± 12 308 ± 24 289 ± 25 283 ± 16 269 ± 28 327 ± 64 193 ± 21 219 ± 28 216 ± 13 Table 1: Concentration of trace elements in surface sediments Linggi estuary (mg/kg) Table (N) Latitude 2.393417 2.390950 2.391550 2.396517 2.400050 2.399533 2.393883 2.390333 2.385400 2.382567 2.386517 2.395300 2.398283 (E) Longitude 101.944117 101.981567 101.974967 101.968283 101.963550 101.958333 101.949383 101.956833 101.962767 101.966800 101.960350 101.949783 101.985583 NSL 02 NSL 03 NSL 04 NSL 05 NSL 06 NSL 07 NSL 08 NSL 09 NSL 10 NSL NSL 11 12 NSL 13 NSL Average UCC* Sampling Locations 01 NSL *Upper continental crust (UCC) values of trace elements (Wedepohl, 1995) *Upper continental crust (UCC) values of trace elements (Wedepohl,

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Figure 2: Contour maps of trace element concentrations in surface sediments of Linggi estuary

Modified Degree of Contamination (mCd) high); and mCd ≥ 32 (ultra-high degree of contamination) (Abrahim & Parker, 2008). The modified degree of contamination (mCd) classification had been widely used in assessing The contamination factor (Cf) showed that sediment contamination in river, estuary and bromine was the significant contributor to mCd marine ecosystems (Abrahim & Parker, 2008; values, ranging from 22.34 to 65.53. The Cf Rahman et al., 2012; Jamshidi-zanjani & values for Cs, Hf, Rb, Sc, and V were greater than Saeedi, 2013; Likuku et al., 2013; Pejman et al., one in most of the sampling locations as shown 2015; Sivakumar et al., 2016; Chai et al., 2016; in Table 2, which also contributed to the values.

Ashraf et al., 2017; Jiang et al., 2018). The mCd Two sampling locations (NSL 09 and NSL 13) classification description in sediments and their could be categorised as having moderately mCd, gradient values were simplified as follows: mCd while all others were experiencing a highly

< 1.5 (nil to very low); 1.5 ≤ mCd < 2 (low); 2 modified degree of contamination. NSL 09

≤ mCd < 4 (moderate); 4 ≤ mCd < 8 (high); 8 ≤ showed the lowest mCd values (3.22) while NSL mCd < 16 (very high); 16 ≤ mCd < 32 (extremely 03 had the highest at 7.77 as tabulated in Table 2.

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The high mCd value at NSL 03 was 09 (22.34). Other elements, such as Cs, Hf, Rb, due to the highest contamination factor (Cf) Sc and V, also significantly contributed to the values, with major contributions from Br. The mCd values at NSL 03. Overall, the mCd values contamination factor (Cf) of Br at NSL 03 of surface sediments of Linggi estuary ranged (65.53) was three times higher compared to NSL from moderate to high degree of contamination. d mC 6.78 7.06 7.77 5.23 6.31 7.63 5.69 4.31 3.22 5.41 4.21 7.61 3.71 f ) d C ( 67.75 70.63 77.72 52.25 63.12 76.29 56.92 43.09 32.18 54.05 42.15 76.07 37.12 Sum C Fe 0.96 1.09 1.00 0.76 0.98 1.03 0.90 0.67 0.95 0.72 0.57 0.98 0.56 V 2.12 1.85 1.83 1.60 1.71 1.83 1.50 1.35 0.68 1.45 1.05 1.92 0.86 Sc 2.06 1.80 1.79 1.53 1.74 1.79 1.54 1.22 0.93 1.51 1.06 1.76 0.97 ) values in surface sediments of Linggi estuary d mC Rb 1.88 1.56 1.68 1.07 1.61 1.41 1.41 1.26 1.79 1.05 0.76 1.05 0.69 ) f Mn 0.61 0.93 0.80 0.51 0.82 1.35 0.71 0.50 0.43 0.46 0.50 0.62 0.39 Hf 1.02 1.35 1.47 1.58 1.62 1.31 2.00 2.62 1.10 2.17 2.17 1.27 2.75 Contamination factor (C Contamination factor Cs 3.28 2.54 2.63 2.17 2.47 2.31 2.09 1.79 3.09 1.79 1.15 1.77 1.12 ) and modified degree of contamination ( f Co 0.42 0.65 0.55 0.55 0.62 0.71 0.58 0.44 0.38 0.52 0.48 0.82 0.45 Br 64.11 55.03 58.37 65.53 42.04 51.09 45.78 32.84 22.34 44.08 34.08 65.48 29.01 Ba 0.37 0.48 0.45 0.43 0.46 0.43 0.42 0.40 0.49 0.29 0.33 0.40 0.32 Table 2: Contamination factor (C Table Location NSL 01 NSL 02 NSL 03 NSL 04 NSL 05 NSL 06 NSL 07 NSL 08 NSL 09 NSL 10 NSL NSL 11 12 NSL 13 NSL

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Conclusion analysis. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, The average concentration values of trace 122, 96–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. elements (Br, Cs, Hf, Rb, Sc, and V) in the apradiso.2017.01.006. surface sediments of Linggi estuary were Chai, L., Li, H., Yang, Z., Min, X., Liao, Q., relatively higher compared to UCC values, Liu, Y., … Xu, J. (2016). Heavy metals whereas Ba, Co, Mn, and Fe showed relatively and metalloids in the surface sediments lower average. This indicated that Br, Cs, Hf, Rb, of the Xiangjiang River, Hunan, China: Sc, and V showed enrichment of concentration distribution, contamination, and ecological in the estuary’s surface sediments. The sources risk assessment. Environmental Science and of Br and Hf possibly originated from seawater Pollution Research, 24(1), 874–885. https:// and marine life. The elements of Cs and V came doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-7872-x. from anthropogenic activities, such as vehicle Cohen, D. (2014). Notes for IAEA participant: Air workshops and industrial activities (electronic pollution Workshop, Seibersdorf, Vienna. and electroplating), and elements of Rb and Sc 22-26 Nov 2014. Australian Nuclear Science originated from geogenic processes, such as and Technology Organisation Australia. erosion, weathering and terrestrial runoff. DOE. (2006). Malaysia Environmental Quality Br, Cs, Hf, Rb, Sc, and V were the major Report 2010. Malaysia Environmental contributors of the contamination factor (C ) in f Quality Report Annual Report, 2006, 1–72. Linggi estuary. Results of mC showed that trace d https://doi.org/ISBN 0127-6433. element contamination in surface sediments of Linggi estuary could be categorised as moderate Elias, M. S. (2020). Study of Elemental and to highly modified degree of contamination. Stable Isotope Ratio as a Marker for Source Identification of Pollution in Sediment of Linggi River. Thesis. Universiti Teknologi Acknowledgements MARA (UiTM). This project was supported by Ministry of Elias, M. S., Ibrahim, S., Samuding, K., Rahman, Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), A. R., & Hashim, A. (2018a). The sources through research grant 04-03-01-SF0142. and ecological risk assessment of elemental The authors like to thank Green Technology pollution in sediment of Linggi estuary, & Sustainable Development, Community of Malaysia. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 137, Research (CORE), Universiti Teknologi MARA 646–655. (UiTM), for their technical assistance. Elias, M. S., Ibrahim, S., Samuding, K., Rahman, S., Wo, Y. M., & Daung, J. A. D. (2018b). References Multivariate analysis for source identification Abrahim, G. M. S., & Parker, R. J. (2008). of pollution in sediment of Linggi River, Assessment of heavy metal enrichment Malaysia. Environmental Monitoring and factors and the degree of contamination in Assessment, 190(4), 257 (1-16). marine sediments from Tamaki Estuary, Hakanson, L. (1980). An ecological risk index for Auckland, New Zealand. Environmental aquatic pollution control. A sedimentological Monitoring and Assessment, 136(1–3), 227– approach. Water Research, 14(8), 975–1001. 238. Jamshidi-zanjani, A., & Saeedi, M. (2013). Ashraf, A., Saion, E., Gharibshahi, E., Kamari, Metal pollution assessment and multivariate H. M., Yap, C. K., Hamzah, M. S., & Elias, analysis in sediment of Anzali international M. S. (2017). Distribution of trace elements wetland. Environmental Earth Science, in core marine sediments of coastal east 70,1791–1808. https://doi.org/10.1007/ Malaysia by instrumental neutron activation s12665-013-2267-5.

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