Heavy metal contamination in Sungai Petani, Malaysia: a wastewater-based epidemiology study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to estimate heavy metal exposure in Sungai Petani, Malaysia. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to detect copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and cadmium (Cd) in wastewater from eight sewage treatment facilities in Sungai Petani in January 2022. The heavy metal concentrations were measured in both influent and effluent, and the mean concentrations in the wastewater were found to be in the following order: Fe > Ni > Zn > Cd > Cu, with a 100% detection frequency. The results of WBE estimation showed that Fe, Ni, and Zn had the highest estimated per population exposure levels, while Cd had the lowest. Compared to a similar study conducted in Penang, Malaysia, all metals except Cu were found to have higher concentrations in Sungai Petani, even though it is a non-industrial district. These findings highlight the importance of addressing heavy metal contamination in Sungai Petani and implementing effective risk management and prevention strategies. HIGHLIGHTS A new study has found that Sungai Petani, Malaysia, has high levels of heavy metals in its wastewater.; The study's findings are concerning, as heavy metals can have serious health consequences.; Researchers urge the government to take steps to reduce heavy metal pollution in the area.;

Keywords

• heavy metals
• toxicology
• wastewater
• wastewater-based epidemiology