Friday, 28 May 2021

By: Syaza Syafiqah Muhamad Kamell, Khairul Nizam Mohamed, Ferdius @ Ferdaus Mohamat Yusuff and Abd Muhaimin Amiruddin

Iron (Fe) acts as an essential element as well as a micronutrient for marine organisms and has an important role in maintaining estuarine biogeochemistry (Gledhill et al., 2004). However, for humans, heavy metals can be harmful to health because they can cause disorders of the respiratory system, blood circulation, damage the reproductive system, as well as disorders of other internal organs (Agustina, 2010). A research has been conducted in the estuary waters of Bagan Pasir, Perak to study the distribution of heavy metal. During this research, In-situ parameter has been used to record pH meter, dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity, turbidity, and temperature. The result shows that the Fe concentration is lower in freshwater areas compared to estuarine areas. This may indicate the possible presence of Fe in the estuary which is mostly in the form of colloids or organic ligands that may be derived from surface sediments or biological processes in the water column. Freshwater systems have higher Fe concentrations, and this may be due to anthropogenicity. Anthropogenic and human activities produce wastes and toxic substances (mostly heavy metals) that are eventually dumped into rivers and estuaries subsequently flowing into the sea (Syvitski et al., 2005). Therefore, these metals are found in different components of aquatic systems such as in water, suspended matter, sediments, and biota. Thus, it becomes a highly toxic micro -pollutant and causes adverse effects (Schnoor, 1996).

Web: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/76344/

Date of Input: 31/05/2021 | Updated: 31/05/2021 | m_fakhrulddin