DISTRIBUTION CHARACTERISTICS AND ECOLOGICAL RISK OF HEAVY METALS IN SURFACE SEDIMENTS OF WEST PORT, MALAYSIA

Surface sediments at West Port on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia were monitored to evaluate the spatial distribution of heavy metals: As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb and Zn. Sediment samples were collected from 10 stations, at three month intervals from November 2009 to October 2010. The degree of sediment contamination and ecological risk factor were estimated to assess contamination status and adverse biological effects. The ecological risk assessment indicates that living organisms are at high risk of Cd and Hg exposure and this is considered a critical environmental issue. Spatial distribution maps of heavy metals would facilitate identification of pollution sources and vulnerable sites.