Lead concentration in long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) hair in Kuala Selangor.

Macaque is an animal species that potentially as a good indicator to toxic exposure because of they shared similar to humans both physiologically and behaviorally. Synanthrophy with humans increases the possibility macaques come into contact with anthropogenic toxicants, such as lead. The objectives of this study is to determine the heavy metal (lead) concentration level in the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) and also to distinguish their health status between those inside and outside Kuala Selangor Nature Park. Sample collection activity was conducted at Kuala Selangor Nature Park (KSNP) and Bukit Melawati. Analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results of replicate analysis showed the average mean of Pb concentrations (μg/g): Bukit Melawati (6.3138); KSNP (3.1628). Despite, the concentration of lead (Pb) between the two places insignificant statistically nevertheless Bukit Melawati recorded high lead concentrations than in KSNP. The probability of lead exposure was demographic and the macaque behavioral had a great influence on lead hair concentration among the macaque in Kuala Selangor. Although, lead exposure in this area seems to be low, additional monitoring and possible remediation may be required.