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Problem statement: The accumulation of metal contaminants in sediments can pose serious environmental problems to the surrounding areas. Trace metal contamination in sediment could affect the water quality and the bio-assimilation and bioaccumulation of metals in aquatic organisms, resulting in potential long-term implications on human health and ecosystem. Approach: About 154 bottom sediment samples were collected using Smith McIntyre in a transect pattern from South China Sea East Coast coastal water (Terengganu, Pahang and Johor coastal area). The study focused on the levels of Pb and Cu in order to assess the extent of environment pollution and to discuss the origin of these contaminants in the sediment. Results: Results showed that the average concentration of Pb and Cu was 33.70 µg g^-1 dry weights and 22.40 µg g^-1 dry weights, respectively. Pb and Cu have relatively lower Enrichment Factors (EF) value and geo-accumulation (I_geo) indices in study area and these analysis validated that elevated heavy metals concentration in most sample are not due to artificial contamination. Conclusion: Overall, geochemistry of the samples showed the effect of both natural and anthropogenic inputs to the catchment, however, natural processes were more dominant than anthropogenic inputs in concentrating metals. Results obtained would help to develop strategies for pollution control and sediment remediation of coastal waters in the South China Sea

This review summarizes the information on the health-promoting effects of phytosterols and the techniques for their extraction. The extraction and analysis processes of phytosterols are complex and have not been fully established.Phytosterols have significant roles in the areas of foods, nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Free phytosterols extracted from plant sources are widely used in fortified foods and dietary supplements. Most phytosterols are extracted from plant matrices using organic solvents which are health and environmental hazards. However, the application of supercritical fluid in the extraction of phytosterols has offered a promising green technology in overcoming the limitations of conventional extraction.

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Present study was aimed to address the spawning and nesting behaviour of Malaysian horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas) in observed nesting grounds of East coast of Peninsular Malaysia during monsoonal period. Field sampling was carried out in every full and new moon days between September and December 2009 in Balok (Lat3°56.194' N, Long103°22.608' E) and Pekan (Lat3°36.181' N, Long103°23.946' E) nesting grounds. A total of 26 nests were found throughout the sampling period (Balok = 4 nests [~15%]; Pekan = 22 nests [~85%]) with higher percentage nesting was noted in November (N = 11 nests [~50%]) in Pekan. No nests were found in Balok station in all sampling months except during September (4 nests). It was also noted that the horseshoe crab preferred nesting during full moon time compared to new moon period. Mean depth × width of the T.gigas nests were 19.96±5.6×10.72±2.1cm. Number of eggs and larval counting in each nest were also recorded together with hydrographic and sedimentological parameters of the nesting grounds. This study clearly showed negative influence of monsoonal cycle on the nest preference and spawning behaviour of T.gigas. Long term monitoring studies would enable us to understand the number of shore reaching horseshoe crabs which is an essential source for the wild population.