Chemical Composition of Sediment in Bernam Catchment, Selangor Malaysia

Abstract

Sediment investigations can be used to identify the major sources of metal pollution and assess the potential toxicity of dredged materials when applied to agricultural land. This study investigated the chemical composition of sediments in the Bernam River catchment, which has been substantially affected by anthropogenic activities, including urbanisation, agricultural activities, and illegal logging. These activities have raised concerns among local communities and stakeholders regarding the deterioration of water quality resulting from the discharge of pollutants and sediment into river systems. The study analysed the concentrations of several chemical elements, including iron, aluminium, copper, total organic carbon, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, arsenic, and cadmium. Potential sediment sources were characterised based on their diagnostic chemical and physical properties and compared with those of transported fluvial sediments. The methodology incorporated fluvial sediment sampling and sediment tracing techniques designed to account for variations in hydrological and geomorphological conditions within the river system. Cluster analysis identified three distinct sediment-source groups within the Bernam River catchment, indicating spatial differences in sediment characteristics and potential sources. From a river management perspective, identifying and characterising sediment sources is essential for developing appropriate measures to control sediment mobilisation and reduce the subsequent accumulation and siltation of river channels, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas. The findings provide useful information for developing targeted sediment-management strategies and mitigating the potential risks associated with metal-contaminated sediments in the Bernam River catchment.