| Summary: | This study evaluated the marine water quality of the Johor Straits near Kampung Pasir Putih, revealing risks to aquatic life and aquaculture from land use changes, increased household, agricultural, and industrial waste discharge. The distribution and concentration levels of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) in crabs, mussels, and sediment samples were particularly investigated in this study. For Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb, the corresponding mean concentration values in the entire body of the crabs and mussels were 60.4 to 256.5 mg/g, 21.8 to 50.3 mg/g, 1.6 to 4.5 mg/g, and 8.2 to 23.7 mg/g dry weight. Zn and Cu consistently showed higher concentrations than other elements, with varying distribution across sampling stations. The average amounts of heavy metals in the sediment samples ranged from 17.7 to 147.1 mg/g, 17.7 to 155 mg/g, 2.4 to 5.3 mg/g, and 9.8 to 14.5 mg/g dry weight for zinc, copper, lead, and mercury, in that order. The study found that increased development leads to declining water quality and higher heavy metal accumulation in marine organisms. Dissolved oxygen levels (1.36 to 6.71 mg/L) were linked to this metal buildup. The ranges of concentrations for Zn, Cd, Cu, and Pb in marine water were 0.01 to 0.6 mg/L, 0.04 to 0.22 mg/L, and 0.03 to 0.33 mg/L, respectively. Kampung Pasir Putih was classified as Class 3 under Malaysia's Marine Water Quality Standards, indicating moderate contamination. The findings call for better management and proactive steps to protect the marine ecosystem and food resources. © 2024 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved.
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