The level and pollution status of Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu in sediment cores of Bagan Pasir estuary, Sungai Buloh estuary, and the coastline of Port Dickson was assessed. Based on the vertical profiles of metals concentrations, the order of metals’ concentration in decreasing manner was Zn>Pb>Cu>Cd at Bagan Pasir and Sungai Buloh stations, while Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd at Port Dickson station. Most of the analyzed metals were below the Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines and the effect range-low (ERL) at all sampling stations. The results of geo-accumulation index, contamination factor and pollution load index classified the sediments quality as unpolluted with studied metals with the exception of the element Pb at certain depths of the sediment cores as well as historical pollution at bottom sediment at Sungai Buloh station. Therefore, metal concentrations in the sediments of these stations were not at an alarming stage, however, requires regular monitoring from the authorities to maintain sustainable management of these areas especially at Sungai Buloh due to anthropogenic activities.

This study determined the distribution of selected trace metals (Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb) in the dissolved (< 0.45 µm) and particulate (> 0.45 µm) samples at Sungai Buloh river, Malaysia. The dissolved Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb concentration along the river was in the safety range. The dissolved and particulate Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd concentration was measured and recorded. We found that most of the metals exist in the particulate form and a consistent distribution coefficient (KD) value indicated a low metals deposition occurred along the river. Therefore, it could suggest that most of the anthropogenic input in the upper stream was transported along the river and it might deposited at the estuarine of the river, which could affect the safety level of these metals at the surface sediment and in the aquatic organisms in the study area.