Trace element contamination in the nearshore sediments of the Tamiraparani estuary, Southeast coast of India

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2017-03, Vol.116 (1-2), p.508-516
• Main Authors: Magesh, N.S., Chandrasekar, N., Krishnakumar, S., Simon Peter, T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Enrichment factor; Environmental Monitoring; Estuaries; Geoaccumulation index; Geologic Sediments - analysis; India; Multivariate statistics; Nearshore sediments; Tamiraparani estuary; Trace elements; Trace Elements - analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.005

The present study focused on the elemental distribution of nearshore environment and to understand the interrelationship between different parameters such as trace elements, organic matter, calcium carbonate and sediment texture. For this purpose, 24 surface samples were collected from the nearshore environment using a stainless steel Van Veen grab sampler. The above said parameters indicate that nearshore sediment transport, contaminants from estuarine source and anthropogenic activities deteriorates the sediment quality in the nearshore area. The enrichment factor reveals that the sediments are enriched with Pb, Co, Ni and Cr, whereas the geoaccumulation index highlights that the sediments are polluted with Pb, Ni and Co. The elevated concentration of Pb in the nearshore sediments are possibly from the port activities and thermal power plants situated in the north of the study area. Proper management of industrial effluents is needed to curb further metal pollution in the nearshore environment off Tamiraparani estuary. •Metal content in the nearshore sediments off Tamiraparani estuary has been evaluated.•The metal values are enriched in the sediments of high anthropogenic activities.•Industrial activities and anthropogenic stress are responsible for metal pollution.