Evaluation of potential trace element contamination and ecological risks of beach sediments, Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, India

Abstract

This study emphasized the potential contamination level and ecological risk condition of the beach sediments in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The mean concentration of acid -leachable trace metals (ALTMs) shows the following descending order: North Andaman sector: Pb > Zn > Ni > Co > Cr > Fe > Cu > Mn; Middle Andaman sector: Fe > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cr > Co > Mn > Cu; South Andaman sector: Fe > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cr > Co > Mn > Cu; Rutland Island sector: Ni > Fe > Pb > Zn > Co > Cr > Cu > Mn; Little Andaman sector: Ni > Pb > Zn > Co > Cr > Fe > Cu > Mn; Great Nicobar Island sector: Fe > Ni > Cr > Pb > Zn > Co > Mn > Cu. The enrichment factor shows the metal enrichment trend as follows: Pb > Ni > Cr > Cu > Mn > Zn. ALTM’s results reveal that Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cu are the most notable trace elements in the beach sediments. The geo-accumulation index of metals shows an unpolluted category for all the metals except Pb. The level of sediment contamination indicates the moderate to strong category. The sediment pollution index and ecological risk reveal that the sediment belongs to the natural category with low pollution risk. The concentration of metal in the beaches was less than the comparative studies and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). Overall assessment studies on sediment accumulated trace metals and potential ecological studies suggest that the beach sediments of the study area were less contaminated and exposed to low risk.