The status of heavy metal levels in a Ramsar site,Kuala Gula bird sanctuary: the impact of the anthropogenic inputs

Distributions of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the surface sediments from two sites of the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, Malaysia were monitored for a period of 6 months from October 2006 to March 2007. In December 2006, the concentration of Zn in one location was significantly (p??1) than the other metals at both sites, but in the oxidizable organic fraction it was highest at both sites during October; with mean concentrations of 18?mg?kg^?1 at both locations. In the acid-reducible fraction, high concentrations of Pb (2.3?mg?kg^?1) were detected at station 2 in February 2007, being highest among all four metals at both stations. The acid-reducible fraction found in Pb ranged from 0.10% to 3.1% in both stations. Percentages ranging from 51% to 96% were observed for all four metals in the resistant fraction throughout the sampling period. These results indicate low contributions from anthropogenic sources. The findings constitute a baseline data archive for future reference.     

Metals contamination in the foraging area of Milky Stork: evidence of anthropogenic inputs in the aquatic environment of Kuala Gula,Malaysia

The rapid decline of the wild Milky Stork population in Malaysia has led to the reintroduction of the captive bred species in Kuala Gula, Perak. The area is known as an important migratory stopover and sanctuary for both visitors and resident birds. Although Kuala Gula and its adjacent areas are regarded as pristine and unpolluted, recent study suggested that accumulation of certain pollutants is occurring in the aquatic environment of the area. Surface sediment samples from five foraging areas considered important to the reintroduced Milky Storks have been analyzed for metals contamination. The results show that elevations of Cu, Zn, and Pb ranging from 9.7 to 57 mg kg^?1, 71 to 120 mg kg^?1, and 28 to 47 mg kg^?1 have occurred, except for Cd (0.9–1.7 mg kg^?1). The accumulation of these metals is site-specific which reflects continuous anthropogenic inputs into the aquatic environment of Kuala Gula. In addition, metal levels in some areas have exceeded the effects range low values, and thus urgent action is needed to ensure good practice and sustainable management of Kuala Gula by responsible parties.