Lead in surface sediments of the Straits of Malacca

Abstract

The chemical fractionation of lead (Pb) was determined in surface sediments collected during two cruises in the Straits of Malacca. Total Pb (not included the terrigenous silicate) concentrations in the sediments range from 8.2 to 28.5 mg/g. Nonresistant fractions [easily or freely leachable and exchangeable (EFLE), acid-reducible and oxidisable-organic] contribute 74% (December 1998) and 71% (April 1999) of the total Pb concentration of the sediments. Among the nonresistant fractions, the oxidisable-organic fraction contributes 75-80%. This may indicate that although the total Pb concentrations in the sediments are relatively low in comparison with other regional data and established sediment quality guidelines, the chemical fractionation shows that most (about 70%) of the total Pb found in the sediment could be mostly related to anthropogenic sources although further validation is required.