Mobility of trace metals in the beach sediments of Miri coast, NW Borneo.

What is it about?

The Miri River in Borneo flows through flat and urban areas before emptying into the South China Sea. This study focuses on the environmental status of the river and examines the sediments to understand their chemical makeup and potential risks. The sediments in the river are primarily composed of weathered materials from Neogene sedimentary rocks. Upstream, the sediments are mainly fine sand, while downstream, they consist mostly of medium silt. The study found moderate contamination levels upstream from key elements such as Copper (Cu), Molybdenum (Mo), and Arsenic (As). In the downstream area, there is more significant contamination from Antimony (Sb), Arsenic (As), and Copper (Cu). In terms of ecological risks, most values are low; however, Copper poses a significant threat, particularly downstream, alongside Arsenic, Zinc (Zn), and Chromium (Cr). Zinc and Manganese have high mobility and may present a moderate to high risk to aquatic life. Interestingly, although there is a high concentration of Copper, it is not highly bioavailable, meaning it may not be easily absorbed by living organisms. Overall, the study highlights the environmental challenges faced by the Miri River and the potential risks to its aquatic ecosystem.

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