Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution And Potential Ecological Risk of Sediments of East Coast of Tamilnadu by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (EDXRF) and Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGS)

Harikrishnan N,Suresh Gandhi M

doi:10.21767/2473-6457.100003

Abstract

The heavy metals inventory and the ecological risk of the coastal sediments from Periyakalapattu to Parangipettai coast along the Bay of Bengal coastline, Tamilnadu, India were investigated. The concentration of heavy metals like Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Ba, La and Pb were determined in sediment using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. The mean concentration of heavy metal found in the order of Mn> Ba > V > Cr > Zn > La > Ni > Si >Pb> Co > As > Cd > Cu > Al > Fe >Ca> Ti > K > Mg. The assessment of heavy metal enrichment as well as the contamination status in the sediments was determined by the pollution load index. Further the potential ecological risk of heavy metals in sediments studied by different sediment quality guidelines (SQGs).

Highlights

Estuarine and coastal regions are often polluted by various contaminants arising from industrial processes, agricultural activities, domestic wastes and vehicles emission
One of the largest problems associated with the persistence of heavy metals is the potential for bioaccumulation and bio-magnification, resulting in potential long-term implications on human health and ecosystem [1]
Heavy metals resulting from anthropogenic contamination associated with organic matter present in thin fraction of the sediments

Summary

Introduction

Estuarine and coastal regions are often polluted by various contaminants arising from industrial processes, agricultural activities, domestic wastes and vehicles emission. The rapid industrialization in the coastal area increases the heavy metal contamination in sediments. Due to the toxicity and persistence of pollution, heavy metals research of estuarine and coastal area has attracted more public concerns recently. One of the largest problems associated with the persistence of heavy metals is the potential for bioaccumulation and bio-magnification, resulting in potential long-term implications on human health and ecosystem [1]. Heavy metals resulting from anthropogenic contamination associated with organic matter present in thin fraction of the sediments. Sediments are ecologically important components of the aquatic habitat and a reservoir of contaminants in water body

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