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.