Assessing the Ecological Impact of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Sediments of Sepang Besar River, Malaysia
Nadia Ab. ShukorFaculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, Putra Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. nadia.shukor@newinti.edu.my0000-0001-6881-0526
M. SughantiDepartment of Biotechnology, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. suganthi.sls@velsuniv.ac.in0000-0003-4433-6887
Kumar KrishnanFaculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, Putra Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. kumar.krishnan@newinti.edu.my0000-0002-9622-437X
Nur Indah Abd. ShukorFaculty of Agriculture, University Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia. indahshukor@yahoo.com0000-0002-8115-3679
Wong Ling ShingFaculty of Health & Life Sciences, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, Putra Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. lingshing.wong@newinti.edu.my0000-0002-5869-0804
Mostly in aquatic systems, heavy metal contamination is a major environmental problem. This paper studies heavy metal pollution in the sediments of the Sepang Besar River in Malaysia at varied sediment levels of 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm under an eye on elements like titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and cobalt (Co). Our data show that the maximum concentrations of Ti, Zn, and Mn are seen despite very significant depth changes. Most metals indicate little human impact based on evaluations utilising the enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo), even if manganese (Mn) and arsenic (As) more investigation is required. Particularly for Zn and As, our results highlight the importance of ongoing observation and calculated actions to reduce environmental risks. This report suggests more thorough environmental management plans aimed at defending aquatic habitats against growing urbanization and industrialization.