Evaluation and assessment of baseline metal contamination in surface sediments from the Bernam River, Malaysia

摘要: The Bernam River is one of the most important rivers in Malaysia that it provides water for industries and agriculture located along its banks. present study was conducted to assess level contamination heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Cr, Sn, Fe) surface sediments River. Nine sediment samples were collected from lower, middle, upper courses river. results indicated concentrations decreased order Sn > Cr Ni Fe Cd (56.35, 14.90, 5.3, 4.6, 0.62 μg/g(1) dry weight). have moderate severe enrichment Cd, no Fe. factor (CF) demonstrated are responsible high contamination. pollution load index (PLI), all sampling sites, suggests stations generally unpolluted with exception Bagan Tepi Sungai, Sabak Bernam, Tanjom Malim stations. Multivariate techniques including Pearson's correlation hierarchical cluster analysis used apportion various sources metals. suggested course river had lower metal concentrations, while middle higher concentrations. Therefore, our can be useful as a baseline data government bodies adopt corrective measure on issues related future.