Ecological risk assessment of toxic metals contamination in Tuticorin coast of Gulf of Mannar, Southern India

Abstract

ABSTRACT The concentration of toxic metals due to manmade activities in Tuticorin coastal zone in the surface water and sediment samples was estimated and summarised. Toxic metals such as Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were analysed trimonthly for a continuous period of one year from July 2014 to June 2015 consisting four seasons. The outcomes uncovered that higher concentration of metals was recorded throughout the mid-year season in the water and sediment samples. Likely, the order of metals is as follows: Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd in the water, and Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd in the sediment samples. The dataset was dissected through multivariate statistical examination to comprehend the relationship, occasional circulation, and source of pollution. Geo-accumulation index indicated that the study sites were moderately contaminated. Ecological risk assessment showed that the study area is under moderate risk. The main sources of metal pollution in the study area are due to industrial wastes, chemical fertilisers, shipping activities, and sewage dump from the municipal waste, which predominantly pollute the Tuticorin coastal zones. The present investigation has uncovered that sources of metal contamination have aggravated in the Tuticorin coastal zone.