General geology and trace elements distribution in groundwater shallow wells, around Mentuan areas, part of Bachok, Kelantan

Trace elements distribution of the groundwater in shallow wells of Mentuan areas, parts of Bachok, Kelantan was assessed. About 12 groundwater samples were analyzed for the trace elements presence such as aluminium (Al) , cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), barium (Ba) and iron (Fe) using standard calibration of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP) (Optima 2100 DV) and being compared with WHO to specified maximum pennissible level. According to the WHO, the Maximum Permissible Level (MPL) for Aluminium, Cadmium, Barium, Iron and Lead are 0.2, 0.003, 0.3, 1 and 0.0lmg/L respectively. From the results obtained, none of the samples analyzed contained Aluminium, Iron, Lead and Barimn in concentrations were above the MPL. However, over 100% of the samples had Cadmium concentrations above the MPL. 5 localities in the study area were being chosen to give a rough view on particle size distribution thus two localities showed rapid permeability rate that lead to higher possibility for trace elements to occur in the aquifer. The results obtained from this study suggest a significant risk to this population given the toxicity of these trace metals and the fact that for many shallow wells that are one of the sources of their water supply in this area.