Magnetic Susceptibility Approach for Detecting Heavy Metal Pollution (Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn ) in Coastal Sediments of Kendari Bay, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Oceanography Department, Halu Oleo University

2 Geophysics Department, Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia

10.22059/poll.2025.396143.2959

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution in coastal areas is a serious environmental issue driven by intensive anthropogenic activities. This study aims to assess the potential heavy metal contamination in coastal sediments of Kendari Bay, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, using magnetic susceptibility and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) approaches. A total of 20 sediment samples were collected from three different zones based on anthropogenic activities: port, roadside, and residential areas. Magnetic susceptibility (χlf) was measured using a Bartington MS2 meter with an MS2D sensor, while concentrations of heavy metals (Fe, Co, Cu, Zn) were analyzed using XRF. The χlf values ranged from 4 × 10⁻⁵ to 1265 × 10⁻⁵ SI, with the highest values observed in the port zone. Iron (Fe) concentrations ranged from 25.02 to 57.49 mg/kg, cobalt (Co) from 150 to 280 mg/kg, copper (Cu) from 10 to 20 mg/kg, and zinc (Zn) from 40 to 120 mg/kg. A weak positive correlation was found between χlf and Fe (r ≈ 0.21), while weak to moderate negative correlations were observed with Co, Cu, and Zn (r ranging from –0.15 to –0.38). These findings indicate that some heavy metals are deposited alongside magnetic minerals derived from industrial and transportation activities. Magnetic susceptibility is proven to be a rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective method, making it highly suitable as a preliminary screening tool for monitoring sediment pollution in coastal environments.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Pollution

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 December 2025

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