Sonneratia sp. as a phytoremediator potential of selected heavy metal contamination on mangrove sediment along Selangor River in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

This study aimed to examine Sonneratia sp as a potential plant for phytoremediation of selected heavy metal contamination of mangrove sediment in Peninsular Malaysia. Five stations were established along Selangor riverbanks under Sonneratia sp trees zone. Five sub-plots (2 m x 2 m) were established for samples collection each plot. Collected samples were prepared and analysed in the laboratory. There was a significant difference of selected heavy metal concentration on sediment and on Sonneratia sp (roots, barks and leaves) between five stations for Zn and Cr, while it was not significant difference for Cu, Pb and Cd. Bio-concentration Factors (BCF) also revealed the species ability to contain elements absorbed differed by vegetative parts where higher average accumulation occurred in leaves for Zn (0.363) and Cd (0.633), in barks for Pb (0.070) and Cr (0.396), while in roots for Cu (2.242). Translocation factor (TF) of Cr in barks was the most concentrated vegetative parts per elements measured in roots at ratio of 1.814 while the lowest was Pb in leaves at 0.515. Sonneratia caseolaris is a good vegetation for uptake the heavy metal from mangrove and can be recommended as a phytoremediation potential of heavy contamination of mangrove sediment.