Distribution of selected trace elements and stable isotopes at various trophic levels of Sungai Pulai Estuary, Johor, Malaysia
Trace metals in food web of seagrass ecosystem of Sungai Pulai in South of Johor was determined using combination of stable isotopes and heavy metals analyses. Stable isotope analysis was applied in order to construct the food web of seagrass area referred to the scientific ratios of δ13C and δ15...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2015
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| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/68119/1/FS%202015%2047%20IR.pdf http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/68119/ |
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| Summary: | Trace metals in food web of seagrass ecosystem of Sungai Pulai in South of Johor was
determined using combination of stable isotopes and heavy metals analyses. Stable
isotope analysis was applied in order to construct the food web of seagrass area referred
to the scientific ratios of δ13C and δ15N. In general, complex structure of seagrass
ecosystem consisted of five trophic levels. Primary producers were located in the first
trophic level, while second and third trophic levels consist of echinoderms and mollusks.
Fish and mollusk made up in trophic level four and five. Selected trace metals (Co, Ni,
As, Cd and Pb) concentration were evaluated in sediments and marine organisms to
determine the metal pollution status effected from the anthropogenic activities around
the ecosystem. In this study, total heavy metal and sequential extraction technique were
used to determine the concentrations of metals in sediments. Result showed
concentration pattern of trace metals for total extraction technique of sediment can be
arranged as Ni > Pb > As > Co > Cd. While, arrangement of trace metals for sequential
extraction technique such follows: Pb > Ni > As > Co > Cd. Distribution of trace metals
in sediment come from both naturally occurrence and anthropogenic activities. However,
most of metal sources present are naturally on the earth’s crust. After having assessment
of Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Contaminant Factor (CF),
Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Sediment Quality Guideline (SQGs), low concentrations
of metal were detected in sediment collected from seagrass bed and categorized as
unpolluted. However, some of benthic organisms have been affected with metal
concentrations in the coastal environment. Eggs of Tachypleus gigas consisted of As
concentration over the threshold, while Family Pinnidae and Placuna sp. have high
concentration of Cd and As. Stable isotope and metal analysis are perfectly combination
to evaluate the biomagnification and biodilution of trace metal. Different in
accumulations of metals in organisms depend on assimilation efficiencies and efflux
rates of metals in organism. Movement of metals in seagrass ecosystem involved biota
that correlated with stable isotope ratio of δ13C and δ15N. All selected trace metals have
biodiluted throughout the seagrass food web. The concept of mobility of trace metals in
seagrass ecosystem was clearly designed across the trophic level. |
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