The assessment of Mangrove Sediment quality in Mengkabong Lagoon: an index analysis approach

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to use different types of indexes to assess the current pollution status in Mengkabong lagoon and select the best index to describe the Mengkabong sediment quality. The indexes used in this study were Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Marine Sediment Pollution Index (MSPI). Different indexes give diverse status of Mengkabong lagoon sediment quality. MSPI has an advantage over the earlier indexes and viewed as a simple summary of the state of the sediment. However, the heavy metal assessment indices are not to be used as the only indicator for sediment quality. Site-specific, biological testing and ecological analysis of existing benthic community related to sediment contamination are needed for final decision making in the case of Mengkabong lagoon. (Contains 3 figures and 10 tables.)