Characterization, distribution, sources and origins of aliphatic hydrocarbons from surface sediment of Prai Strait, Penang, Malaysia: A widespread anthropogenic input

Abstract

Persistent organic pollutants such as petroleum hydrocarbons are one of the most serious and important class of pollutants that face to many countries including Malaysia. Aliphatic hydrocarbons contain straight chain alkane; derive from anthropogenic and natural sources to the marine environment. The multi-purpose strait of Prai is located in the Northwest of Peninsular Malaysia plays an important economic role in the Southeast Asia. Twenty surface sediment samples were collected using Eckman dredge to measure the concentration and determine the characterization, sources and origins of the aliphatic hydrocarbons in December 2006. Samples (top 4 cm) were extracted with Soxhlet, treated with activated copper and subjected to 2 steps column chromatography for purification and fractionation. Alkane fraction injected into Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) for instrumental analysis.

Description

Keywords

aliphatic hydrocarbon, surface sediment, carbon preference index, Prai strait

Citation

Sakari, M., Zakaria, M. P., Lajis, N. H., Mohamed, C. A. R., Bahry, P. S., Anita, S., & Chandru, K. (2008). Characterization, distribution, sources and origins of aliphatic hydrocarbons from surface sediment of Prai Strait, Penang, Malaysia: A widespread anthropogenic input. Environment Asia, 2, 1-14.

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