The spatial-temporal impact on dissolved and particulate metals in Brunei Bay, Malaysia: Spectrometric and chemometrics approach.

The concentrations of metals in the waters of Brunei Bay, Malaysia were determined to define the current level and changes of its distribution. Discriminant analysis showed that metals distribution was spatially influenced by anthropogenic activities, whereas the distribution of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) was temporally influenced by the seasonal changes. High concentration of particulate metals in the coastal region during the wet season was presumably affected by freshwater intrusion and strong current disturbance. Generally, the enrichment factor of the aluminium (Al), Cd, copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and Zn proved enrichment by anthropogenic sources, except for iron (Fe). Furthermore, Cd has the highest enrichment factor value, signifying the potential risk of Cd on the Brunei Bay waters even at a low level. However, the Malaysia Marine Water Quality Criteria and Standard have classified the Brunei Bay waters as unpolluted.