Determination of Heavy Metal Concentration of Benut River at Simpang Renggam, Johor

Abstract

The present study is aimed to determine heavy metal concentration in Benut River, Simpang Renggam, Johor. Heavy metals such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) and Arsenic (As) were selected for the water quality assessment due to the potential sources from natural and anthropogenic sources at the case study. Sampling was conducted twice which was on April 2019 and July 2019 at eight (8) sampling points in Benut River. Eight (8) sampling points were chosen due high potential of pollutant at point sources include chicken farm, landfill, oil palm plantation and residential. Heavy metals were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) followed the APHA (2012) standard. It can be concluded the Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn, Ni, Cr, As and Al are detected at Benut River and most of the heavy metals are within allowable standard by INWQS Class II and DWQS except for Al concentration. Therefore, concentration of heavy metals is low in Benut River for both sampling. However, continuous monitoring is needed to maintain the quality of Benut River and advance treatment could apply to the water treatment facility for this river water for household purpose.