Contamination of cadmium, lead and zinc in a. granosa and sediments in Jeram, Selangor and its potential health risks / lzzat Rusli

Introduction: This study aims to detennine the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn) in the A granosa and sediment, the relationship between the concentration of both variables and assessing the health risk associated with the problem.
Methodology: The study was done at a commercially cultured cockle's bed, coastal area of Pantai Remis, Jeram that receives discharge from various industries, a landfill and oil palm plantation. 5 samples of A. granosa and sediments, and 10 samples of river water were taken for analysis of Cadmium, Lead and Zinc using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Perkin Elmer 800). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Finally, health risk assessments were done.
Result: All of the reading of heavy metal concentration taken including for the river water did comply with the Food Act 1983. For A. granosa samples, concentration of cadmium shows the highest value while concentration of zinc seems to be the highest in sediment. There was a fair positive correlation for concentration of cadmium (r=0.505, p=0.385), and zinc (r=0.700, p=0.189) in commercially cultured A. granosa and sediment. Lead on the other hand shows a poor negative correlation (r-0.379, p=0.530).The Hazard Index indicates a value lesser than 1 which meant that there are minimum potential risks from consumption of A granosa as per calculated daily dose.
Conclusion: Consumption of the A. granosa cultured in Jeram, Selangor are can be concluded as safe as the level of cadmium, lead and zinc in A. granosa is low enough that it is safe for consumption apart from the low hazard index.