Environmental hazard assessment of metals in marine sediments of Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract The fractionation of 10 metals (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V, and Zn) within labile fractions in shallow marine sediments collected from the coasts Sabah Sarawak, Malaysia, was evaluated. Spatial distribution revealed that coastal were approximately 10% higher metal content than Sarawak. Risk assessment code, enrichment factor, pollution accumulation index calculations used to investigate environmental hazards elements. For risk modified Tessier sequential extraction procedure applied. code values showed V recorded lowest environment (~ 10%) while As, Zn exhibited medium (Risk range 11%–30%). element Ni displayed no (0.67%) environment, whereas Se Pb highest with 47% 52%, respectively. factor calculation, continental crust data presented by Taylor (Taylor, Geochim Cosmochim Acta 28:1273–1285, 1964) as background, Al a reference element. Results illustrated most show (enrichment > 1). However, considered extremely severe 50). While calculation demonstrated all under study can be non-contaminant elements except for Co. These findings indicated are more polluted contaminants despite both states having numerous active oil- gas-related production facilities.