Distribution and polution assessment of heavy metals in the surface sediment of Jengka River, Pahang

Contamination of heavy metals in river sediments has become a serious environmental issue, especially in developing countries like Malaysia, where these metals may persist in aqueous as well as particulate forms for prolonged periods. The Jengka River Pahang is the one of crucial sources of freshwater in drinking water supply, agriculture, and fishing activities. However, the process of increased industrialization, urbanization, and intensive farming has developed concerns about heavy metal in the sediments of this river. This study aims to determine the concentration levels of selected heavy metals such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn) in the sediments of the Jengka River and to evaluate their potential ecological risks. A total of 15 sediment samples were collected from five locations along the Jengka river. The samples were digested using 10 mL of 37% HCl and 68% HNO3, and heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The concentration ranked in descending order of Fe (5094.20 – 5979.47 mg/kg) > Cu (11.13 – 40.07 mg/kg > Zn (16.87 – 28.00 mg/kg)) > Cr (12.67 – 21.80 mg/kg) > Cd (0.40 – 0.67 mg/kg) respectively. Cu at location 5 exceeded the Threshold effect level (TEL). The data obtained used to estimate pollution levels such as Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and Enrichment factor (EF) in sediment. Continuous monitoring and pollution control near residential and workshop areas are recommended to safeguard the Jengka River ecosystem.