Sujatha, C H; Deepulal, P M; Gireesh kumar, T R; Rejomon, George(Springer, November 15, 2011)
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Abstract:
The distribution and accumulation of trace
metals in the sediments of the Cochin estuary during
the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon periods
were investigated. Sediment samples from 14 locations
were collected and analysed for the metal contents (Mg,
Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb), organic carbon,
total nitrogen, total sulphur and grain size. The data
were processed using statistical tools like correlation,
factor and cluster analysis. The study revealed an
enrichment of Cd and Zn in the study area particularly
at station 2, which is confirmed by enrichment factor,
contamination factor and geoaccumulation index. The
factor analysis revealed that the source of Cd and Zn
may be same. The study indicated that the spatial
variation for the metals like Mg, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn,
Cd and Pb were predominant unlike Mn which shows a
temporal variation. The strong association of trace
metals with Fe and Mn hydroxides and oxides are
prominent along the Cochin estuary. The anthropogenic
inputs of industrial effluents mainly control the trace
metals enrichment in the Cochin estuary
Present study consists the quantization of specific metals-- Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu observed in the experimental bivalve,
Villorita species. Bivalve specimens were collected seasonally from the identified three hot spots of Vembanad Lake. Soft
tissue concentrations of metals are very sensitive in reflecting changes in the ambient environment and hence important in
assessing the environmental quality. Concentrations of Zn in bivalves were fairly high compared to other metals. All the
stations showed a maximum concentration during premonsoon and minimum during the other two seasons. Levels of Pb,
Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr are between 0-6.17mg/kg, 0-17.224mg/kg, 1.916-255.163mg/kg, 0.325-4.133mg/kg, and 0-15.233mg/kg
respectively
Description:
Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences
Vol. 40 (3), June 2011, pp 424-429