Heavy metals loading in tropical urban river: A case of industrial catchment

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Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in industrial areas poses significant environmental challenges due to the lack of early detection and control mechanisms. Typically, remediation actions are taken only once contamination reaches hazardous levels. In this study, we evaluated the distribution of heavy metals in two rivers in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, namely the Selangkah and Kim Kim Rivers, with particular emphasis on concentrations exceeding threshold limits. Our primary objective was to assess the degree of heavy metal pollution and highlight the influence of both point and non-point pollution sources. Key water quality parameters were analyzed, including heavy metal concentrations, electrical conductivity (EC), (pH), salinity (SAL), and dissolved oxygen (DO). The overall mean concentrations of potassium (K), iron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg) were highest in both rivers, with Mg exceeding the permissible limit of 150 mg/L in the Kim Kim River (Maximum concentration recorded: 412.63 mg/L). In the Selangkah River, mean concentrations of copper (Cu) (0.157 mg/L), Fe (4.591 mg/L), and nickel (Ni) (0.493 mg/L) significantly exceeded the maximum allowable limits for surface water set by the Malaysian Ministry of Health and the National Water Quality Standards (NWQS). Spatial distribution identified sampling points SL1, SL4, SL5, and SL6 along the Selangkah River as having the highest concentrations of most heavy metals, correlating with the dense concentration of industrial activities in those areas. The Contamination Index (Cd) and Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) calculations confirmed that the Selangkah River is classified as highly polluted, while the Kim Kim River presents a moderate-to-high pollution status. Given that these rivers support smallholder agriculture and contribute to groundwater recharge, protecting and conserving their fragile ecosystems is essential to ensure long-term environmental sustainability and public health safety.

Keywords

heavy metals / Selangkah river / Kim Kim river / industrial area / environment quality act 1974 / Malaysian national water quality standard / pollution index

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