Heavy Metal Assessment in Soil at Dabong and Sungai Kejar, Royal Belum by Using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (ED-XRF)

The concentration of heavy metal in soil at Dabong and Sungai Kejar, Royal Belum were investigated in this study. Experiments were conducted to evaluate contamination level of Aluminium (Al), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) in soil at thirteen points of soil sampling by using Pollution Load Index (PLI). Geo-accumulation index, contamination factor and degree of contamination and Pollution Load Index (PLI) are applied for the assessment of heavy metal contamination. Soil samples were analysed by using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (ED-XRF). Three soil sampling locations are indicated to be polluted soil namely point D4, SKK4(1)A and SKK4(1)B, based on assessment tool Pollution Load Index(PLI). The level of heavy metals in soil sample at D4 point has the highest value compared with other points. From the assessment, it indicated that the residential area and industrial activities contributed larger amount of heavy metals contamination in soil. Hence, monitoring and precaution should be taken to address the heavy metals level from time to time for sustainable environment for future.