Characterization of Sediment Properties in Pangkor Island: Grain Size Distribution, Particle-Size Analysis and Mineral Composition

The sedimentary environment of coral reefs is one of the important factors that contribute to the overall health and sustainability of the ecosystem. However, rapid development or intensive human activities can alter sediment composition and distribution, which have implication to ecosystem of the coral reef. While understanding the sedimentary environment is important, there a significant knowledge gap remains on Malaysian reef, especially in Pangkor Island regarding the sediment characteristic that impact coral reef dynamic. Hence this study aims to address this gap by the grain and particle size, as well as mineral composition of reef sediments in Pangkor Island. Sieving was performed in this study to further conduct grain size and particle size analysis. The analysis shows a difference in sediment composition and distribution between two locations. In Teluk Segadas, the nearshore sediments were predominantly coarser, while further from shore sediments were finer particles. In Pantai Pasir Giam, the prevalence of coarser particles near both the shoreline and further offshore, contrasted with finer sediments in intermediate areas. From particle size analysis, particle size distribution curve revealed samples from Pantai Pasir Giam showed typical gradation curve shape compared to Teluk Segadas. The mineral composition of sediment was identified using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and it was observed that aragonite was the main mineral in Teluk Segadas sediments, while quartz in Pantai Pasir Giam sediment. The XRD profiles highlighted distinct differences in the crystalline structures of sediments from the two locations. This study provides significant information on sedimentary environment of coral reef in Pangkor Island, enhancing the current knowledge that can contribute for further research and conservation efforts.