Activities of 210Po and 210Pb in the water column at Kuala Selangor, Malaysia

Natural radionuclides, such as 210Po and 210Pb were measured in the water samples collected from six stations at Kuala Selangor, Malaysia. Results for 210Po and 210Pb in dissolved and particulate phases have showed the difference in distribution and chemical behavior. The fluctuation activities of 210Po and 210Pb depend on wave action, geology and degree of fresh water input occurring at study areas and probably due to different sampling dates. The distribution coefficient, Kd, values of 210Po and 210Pb ranged from 2.0 × 103 l g−1 to 265.15 × 105 l g−1, and from 3.0 × 103 l g−1 to 558.16 × 105 l g−1, respectively. High Kd values of 210Po and 210Pb indicated that a strong adsorption of 210Po and 210Pb onto suspended particles, and the sinking of both nuclides on the seabed at study locations were controlled by the characteristics of suspended particles.