Distribution of priority pollutants in the sediment of Vembanad Estuary, Peninsular India

Abstract

The existence of Organochlorine pesticides (OCP's) and trace metals in tropical aquatic environments may cause a severe threat on account of their ubiquitous nature and long persistence. Monitoring of such contaminants has assumed immense significance in recent times. The present study assessed the OCP's and trace metal contamination in the surface sediments of the Vembanad wetland system in India. Various pollution indices were calculated to determine the sediment quality of the system and were also compared with uncontaminated sediments. Geo-accumulation index for Mercury varied from moderately to extremely polluted. The mean concentration of pesticide residues and trace metals in the sediments of Vembanad is found to be higher than in other aquatic systems in India. The situation demands further studies which focus on the potential bioaccumulation of OCPs and metals in the benthic food chain, succeeding biota and their impact on human consumption as the system supports a huge population for their livelihood. The Present study provides a baseline information on the spatial distribution of priority pollutants along with ecological risk status of Vembanad estuarine system (VES).