Bioavailability Of Trace Metals Research Articles

Palaeo-pollution from mining activities in the Vosges Mountains: 1000 years and still bioavailable

Mining and smelting activities have contaminated the environment with trace metals (TMs) at a worldwide scale for at least two millennia. A combination of chemical approaches and active biomonitoring was performed to analyse the environmental availability and bioavailability of TM palaeo-pollution in a former PbAg mining district in the Vosges Mountains, France. Along a soil TM contamination gradient that covered eight stations, including two archaeological mining sites, the toxicokinetics of six TMs (Pb, Cd, As, Ag, Co, Sb) in the snail Cantareus aspersus revealed that palaeo-pollution from the studied sites remains bioavailable. This study provides the first data on the accumulation kinetics of Ag and Co for C. aspersus. The environmental availability of the TMs was estimated with three chemical extraction methods (aqua regia, EDTA 50 mM, CaCl2 10 mM). Univariate regression analyses showed that EDTA extraction is the best method for estimating the bioavailability of Pb, As, Ag, Co and Sb to snails. None of the three extractants was efficient for Cd. A multivariate analysis of bioaccumulation data revealed that TM bioavailability and transfer were modulated by exposure sources (soil, humus and vegetation) rather than by soil physico-chemical characteristics. Hence, although the deposition of mining wastes dates back several centuries, these wastes still represent a source of contamination that must be considered to develop relevant site management and environmental risk assessment.

Two-year stability of immobilization effect of sepiolite on Cd contaminants in paddy soil.

The long-term stability of immobilization effect of immobilization agents was critical to the remediation practices. Two years consecutive in situ field-scale demonstration was conducted in Hunan province, with the purpose to certify the long-term stability of immobilization effect of sepiolite on Cd contaminants in paddy soil in the aspect of soil extraction and plant uptake. Natural sepiolite was selected as immobilization, and rice was the model plant. The immobilization effect of sepiolite on Cd contaminants in paddy soil was significant in the first year and remained at the second year. The Cd content of brown rice, 0.025M HCl extractable Cd content and exchangeable Cd content of paddy soil decreased remarkably. The application of sepiolite led to an obvious increase in pH value of paddy soil and carbonate bounded fraction of Cd in soil. The immobilization effect was maintained even at the second year without any additional amendments. The results indicated the interaction of sepiolite and cadmium was a long-term process. The additional sepiolite at the second year had no significant lift effect on immobilization so that it was unnecessary to add sepiolite every year based on the immobilization effect and operation cost. The dynamics of available Cu, Zn, and Mn contents in paddy soil in two consecutive years indicated sepiolite had negligible effects on the bioavailability of trace metals. The result of the current research confirmed the stability of immobilization effect of sepiolite.

Trace metal bioavailability in sediments from a reference site, Ribeira Bay, Brazil

Surface sediments were collected near potential contamination sources impacting Ribeira Bay (Brazil), a system considered as a ‘reference site’ for trace metals. Physicochemical properties (pH and Eh), grain size and concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), total phosphorus (TP), acid-volatile sulfides (AVS) and simultaneously-extracted metals (Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were analyzed. Although relatively low metal concentrations were found, correlations of Zn and Ni with high TP levels suggested an association with sewage inputs, while other metals presented associations with specific geochemical carriers (TOC, Fe and Mn compounds). AVS levels exceeding those of the sums of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn (ΣSEM) by at least one order of magnitude and TOC-normalized differences between ΣSEM and AVS ((ΣSEM–AVS)/fOC) near to or below than −200μmolgOC−1 indicated that there were sufficient AVS and TOC levels to control trace metal bioavailability in sediment pore water.

Environmental relevance of laboratory-derived kinetic models to predict trace metal bioaccumulation in gammarids: Field experimentation at a large spatial scale (France)

Kinetic models have become established tools for describing trace metal bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms and offer a promising approach for linking water contamination to trace metal bioaccumulation in biota. Nevertheless, models are based on laboratory-derived kinetic parameters, and the question of their relevance to predict trace metal bioaccumulation in the field is poorly addressed. In the present study, we propose to assess the capacity of kinetic models to predict trace metal bioaccumulation in gammarids in the field at a wide spatial scale. The field validation consisted of measuring dissolved Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb concentrations in the water column at 141 sites in France, running the models with laboratory-derived kinetic parameters, and comparing model predictions and measurements of trace metal concentrations in gammarids caged for 7 days to the same sites. We observed that gammarids poorly accumulated Cu showing the limited relevance of that species to monitor Cu contamination. Therefore, Cu was not considered for model predictions. In contrast, gammarids significantly accumulated Pb, Cd, and Ni over a wide range of exposure concentrations. These results highlight the relevance of using gammarids for active biomonitoring to detect spatial trends of bioavailable Pb, Cd, and Ni contamination in freshwaters. The best agreements between model predictions and field measurements were observed for Cd with 71% of good estimations (i.e. field measurements were predicted within a factor of two), which highlighted the potential for kinetic models to link Cd contamination to bioaccumulation in the field. The poorest agreements were observed for Ni and Pb (39% and 48% of good estimations, respectively). However, models developed for Ni, Pb, and to a lesser extent for Cd, globally underestimated bioaccumulation in caged gammarids. These results showed that the link between trace metal concentration in water and in biota remains complex, and underlined the limits of these models, in their present form, to assess trace metal bioavailability in the field. We suggest that to improve model predictions, kinetic models need to be complemented, particularly by further assessing the influence of abiotic factors on trace metal uptake, and the relative contribution of the trophic route in the contamination of gammarids.

On the bioavailability of trace metals in surface sediments: a combined geochemical and biological approach.

The bioavailability of metals was estimated in three river sediments (Sensée, Scarpe, and Deûle Rivers) impacted by different levels of Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn (Northern France). For that, a combination of geochemistry and biological responses (bacteria and chironomids) was used. The results obtained illustrate the complexity of the notion of "bioavailability." Indeed, geochemical indexes suggested a low toxicity, even in surface sediments with high concentrations of total metals and a predicted severe effect levels for the organisms. This was also suggested by the abundance of total bacteria as determined by DAPI counts, with high bacterial cell numbers even in contaminated areas. However, a fraction of metals may be bioavailable as it was shown for chironomid larvae which were able to accumulate an important quantity of metals in surface sediments within just a few days.We concluded that (1) the best approach to estimate bioavailability in the selected sediments is a combination of geochemical and biological approaches and that (2) the sediments in the Deûle and Scarpe Rivers are highly contaminated and may impact bacterial populations but also benthic invertebrates.

Spatial Distribution and Toxic Potency of Trace Metals in Surface Sediments of the Seine Estuary (France)

Due to very high anthropogenic pressures and urban waste discharge, the Seine estuary is still among the world's most polluted estuaries. The purpose of this work is to investigate the distribution of trace metals in surface sediments in order to assess to the contamination level, metal bioavailability, and ecotoxicological status. Five sites covering the salinity gradient of the estuary were chosen to evaluate the distribution and contamination level of trace metals in surface sediments. The results showed that trace metal concentration varied seasonally and spatially. Subsequently to assess the actual environmental toxicity of sediments, the Microtox® Bioassay using Vibrio fischeri was applied on aqueous extract of sediment. Calculated enrichment factors revealed that these sediments were highly polluted by mercury, cadmium, zinc, and lead. Most of pollution sources are localized upstream especially in Poses and Oissel, and the contamination levels decreased from Poses to north mudflat site. Positive values of toxicity index were detected in the upstream sediments indicating potential bioavailability of trace metals in the sediments. Sediment toxicity measured with the Microtox® test was positively correlated with toxicity index demonstrating the usefulness of the toxicity index for sediment quality assessment and possible implication of metals in sediment toxicity.

Trace metal bioavailabilities in the Thames estuary: continuing decline in the 21st century

Levels of pollution, including contamination by toxic metals, in the Thames estuary reduced over the last four decades of the 20th century. This 2014 study investigates whether the declines in the bioavailabilities of trace metals (Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Zn) have continued in the 21st century, using a suite of littoral biomonitors also employed in 2001 – the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus, the strandline, talitrid amphipod Orchestia gammarellus and the estuarine barnacle Amphibalanus improvisus. Bioaccumulated concentrations represent relative measures of the total bioavailabilities of each metal to the biomonitor over a previous time period, and can be compared over space and over time. Trace metal bioavailabilities varied along the estuary, and, in general, fell between 2001 and 2014, a reflection of the continuing remediation of the Thames estuary from its severely polluted state in the middle of the 20th century.

Tracking the Temporal Dynamics of Intracellular Lead Speciation in a Green Alga.

Organisms have developed metal regulatory mechanisms in response to changes in the bioavailability of trace metals. Just as metal bioavailability dictates cellular uptake, intracellular metal speciation determines the availability of metals to exert biological effects. However, the missing link in understanding the relationship between metal uptake and biological responses is the ability to accurately measure intracellular metal speciation. We conducted Pb exposure studies on the well-characterized model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and identified temporal changes in intracellular Pb speciation under conditions relevant for fresh water ecosystems using resonant X-ray emission spectroscopy (RXES), which possesses enhanced sensitivity to functional group chemistry relative to X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Analysis of RXES maps show that only a small fraction of total intracellular Pb was complexed by thiol groups. Initial sequestration of Pb in oxides and inorganic phosphate was followed by binding of Pb to organic phosphate, suggesting potential interference in vital cellular functions. These results contrast proposed detoxification responses involving complexation by thiol groups from peptides.

Bioavailability and Electroreactivity of Zinc Complexed to Strong and Weak Organic Ligands.

Laboratory experiments have established the importance of complexation by organic ligands in determining the bioavailability of trace metals to marine phytoplankton, while electrochemical measurements with field samples have demonstrated that a large fraction of bioactive trace metals are complexed to strong organic ligands in seawater. Using the model organic ligands, EDTA and histidine, we show a quantitative correspondence between the bioavailability of Zn to the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii, and its reduction at -1.2 V (vs Ag/AgCl) on a hanging mercury drop electrode. Equilibrium calculations and polarographic data indicate that Zn bound in inorganic complexes and the 1:1 Zn-histidine complex, but not in the 1:2 Zn-histidine complex or the Zn-EDTA complexes, is taken up by the organism and reduced at the electrode surface, confirming a previous report of the bioavailability of weak Zn complexes. Electrochemical measurements of Zn speciation in seawater do not generally reveal the presence of weak (and potentially bioavailable) complexes; but such measurements (particularly by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry) should nonetheless often provide good estimates of the bioavailable Zn concentrations. These results can likely be generalized to other bioactive divalent trace metals.

Influence of effluent organic matter on copper speciation and bioavailability in rivers under strong urban pressure.

This study focuses on spatiotemporal variations in the type of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and copper binding ability both upstream and downstream of Paris. It also compares the relative influence of both natural DOM upstream of Paris and effluent dissolved organic matter (EfDOM) output from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) on trace metal speciation and bioavailability in aquatic systems. In addition to the typical high- and low-affinity binding sites, a third family of very high-affinity binding sites has been highlighted for EfDOM. In receiving waters downstream of Paris during low-flow periods, the percentage of high- and very high-affinity sites originating from EfDOM reaches nearly 60 %. According to the speciation computation, the free copper concentration upstream of Paris exceeds the downstream Paris concentration by a factor of 2 to 4. As regards copper bioavailability, the highest EC50tot values were observed for EfDOM and downstream DOM, with a very low aromaticity and low UV absorbance. This finding suggests that specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) is unlikely to be useful in assessing metal speciation and toxicity in aquatic systems subject to strong urban pressures. These results also highlight that the copper speciation computation for surface water exposed to considerable human pressures should include not only the humic and/or fulvic part of dissolved organic carbon but more hydrophilic fractions as well, originating for example from EfDOM.

Laura Sigg: Investigating the Speciation, Bioavailability and Ecotoxicology of Trace Metals in Natural Waters

Laura Sigg is an internationally renowned expert in the aquatic geochemistry and ecotoxicology of trace metals. During her outstanding career as a researcher at Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, and adjunct professor at the Department of Environmental Systems Science of ETH Zurich, she pioneered the development of new theoretical concepts as well as practical methods for the assessment of the speciation, fate and effect of trace metals in the hydrosphere (Fig. 1). During his stay in Toulouse as invited professor some years ago, George Luther III proposed us to edit a special issue of Aquatic Geochemistry to honor our colleague Laura Sigg, who serves as a long-term associate editor of this journal. We were very happy to take up this challenge and invited people to submit original manuscripts to a special issue focusing on the fields of speciation, bioavailability and ecotoxicology of trace metals in natural waters. After being educated in chemistry with Paul W. Schindler at the University of Bern, where she learned the precision and rigor of experimental work and how to assess and synthetize ideas, Laura Sigg moved to Zurich and worked for her PhD with Werner Stumm. She started the first part of her career with ground-breaking research on thermodynamic models for adsorption processes at the solid–water interface and published two highly influential papers which became classics in this field (Stumm et al. 1980; Sigg and Stumm 1981).

Effects of environmental hypercapnia and metal (Cd and Cu) exposure on acid-base and metal homeostasis of marine bivalves

Elevated CO2 levels reduce seawater pH and may affect bioavailability of trace metals in estuaries. We studied the interactive effects of common metal pollutants (50μgl−1 Cd or Cu) and PCO2 (~395, 800 and 2000μatm) on metal levels, intracellular pH, expression of metal binding proteins and stress biomarkers in estuarine bivalves Crassostrea virginica (oysters) and Mercenaria mercenaria (hard clams). Cd (but not Cu or hypercapnia) exposure affected the acid-base balance of hemocytes resulting in elevated intracellular pH. Cd and Cu exposure led to the increase in the tissue metal burdens, and metal accumulation was reduced by elevated PCO2 in the mantle but not hemocytes. No change was found in the intracellular free Cd2+, Cu2+ or Fe2+ during Cu or Cd exposure indicating that these metals are bound to intracellular ligands. Free Zn2+ content in oyster hemocytes was suppressed by Cd and Cu exposure and below the detection limits in clam hemocytes, which went hand-in-hand with the elevated mRNA expression of metallothioneins and ferritin in Cd- and Cu-exposed bivalves, enhanced by hypercapnia. The metal-binding and antioxidant mechanisms of oysters and clams were sufficient to effectively maintain intracellular redox status, even though metal exposure combined with moderate hypercapnia (~800μatm PCO2) led to the elevated production of reactive oxygen species in hemocytes. Overall, while hypercapnia modulates metal accumulation, binding capacity and oxidative stress in estuarine bivalves, the physiological effects of elevated CO2 are mild compared to the effects of other common stressors.

Lead Bioavailability to Freshwater Microalgae in the Presence of Dissolved Organic Matter: Contrasting Effect of Model Humic Substances and Marsh Water Fractions Obtained by Ultrafiltration

Years of experimentation in well-defined media has demonstrated that trace metal bioavailability should be best predicted by the concentration (or activity) of the free cation (free ion activity model, FIAM). In the particular case of lead, uptake of Pb by Chlorella kessleri has been, however, shown to be higher in the presence of the Suwannee River fulvic acid and Suwannee River humic acid as compared to what was predicted by the free ion concentrations [Pb2+]. In order to estimate whether such exceptions of the FIAM can be extended to other freshwater phytoplankton, we measured the biouptake of Pb by C. reinhardtii another model phytoplankton, in solution containing these two model humic substances and for which free Pb2+ concentrations were evaluated using an ion-exchange technique. Our results showed that Pb internalization by C. reinhardtii can be directly related to the [Pb2+] but that the deviation from the FIAM when using C. kessleri was still observed under the present experimental conditions. Indeed, when using freshly isolated colloidal fraction (>3 kDa) of a marsh water and its photoaltered products, [Pb2+] measurements are shown to poorly predict Pb uptake by C. kessleri and surprisingly Pb uptake by C. reinhardtii.

Limited Zn and Ni mobility during simulated iron formation diagenesis

Iron formations (IF) are iron- and silica-rich chemical precipitates that were deposited during the Precambrian. Several recent studies have demonstrated how the trace metal abundances in IF can be used as proxies for the bioavailability of trace metals in ancient seawater; with the ultimate goal being to understand first-order controls on the composition of the ancient biosphere. However, the utility of IF as proxies depends on the immobilization of trace metals during diagenesis. Here, we assess the mobility of Zn and Ni from ferric oxyhydroxides (ferrihydrite) in the absence and presence of organic matter (glucose) during simulated diagenesis (170°C, 1.2kbar); similar to what some Precambrian IF experienced. Quantitative concentration data, coupled with X-ray diffraction analysis and electron microprobe element mapping, demonstrate that both metals are relatively immobile during simulated diagenesis. Additionally, the mechanism for initial Ni sorption is examined using X-ray adsorption spectroscopy. For the initial sorption of trace elements in abiotic ferrihydrite experiments, 93.38% Zn and 65.95% Ni were initially sorbed. In experiments utilizing biogenic ferrihydrite, 97.03% of Zn and 93.38% of Ni were initially sorbed. Following the diagenetic capsule treatments, more than 99% of Zn and more than 91.9% of Ni were retained under the varied conditions considered here. Capsule experiments suggest the strong retention of Zn and Ni following the diagenesis of either abiotic or biogenic ferrihydrite. Overall, our results indicate that paleomarine Zn and Ni concentrations are likely to be faithfully recorded in well-preserved IF deposits.

Speciation of Heavy Metals by Modified BCR Sequential Extraction in Soils Contaminated by Phosphogypsum in Sfax, Tunisia

The accumulation of trace metals in soil is a serious environmental problem that creates a hazard when metals are transferred to water or plants. To understand the mobility and bioavailability of trace metals, the concentrations and distributions of trace metals must be established for different physical and chemical phases of the soil. We determined the concentrations of trace metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Co, Ni, Mn, and Fe) in soil using the sequential extraction method recommended by Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) and analysed chemical properties, such as the pH, cation exchange capacity, total organic carbon, electrical conductivity, and calcium carbonate. Our results revealed higher concentrations of trace metals in topsoil samples (0–20 cm) than in subsoil samples (20–40 cm and 40–60 cm) for most metals at four sites. Zn in the topsoil was mostly associated with the non-resistant fraction at all sites. Approximately 60% more Pb was bound to the non-residual, exchangeable and reducible fractions at all sites, and soil depths. Cr, Cu, Ni and Fe were mainly in the residual fraction, whereas Mn was largely present in the non-resistant fraction. The global contamination factor of trace metals decreased with soil depth. The mobility and bioavailability were greatest for Zn, followed by Cu and Pb. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.70.4.7807

Assessment of trace metals contamination level, bioavailability and toxicity in sediments from Dakar coast and Saint Louis estuary in Senegal, West Africa

Trace metals have the potential to associate with sediments that have been recognised as significant source of contamination for the benthic environment. The current study aims assessing the trace metals contamination level in sediments from Dakar coast and Saint Louis estuary, and to examine their bioavailability to predict potential toxicity of sediments. Surface sediment samples were collected between June 2012 and January 2013 in three sampling periods from eight stations. Trace metals were analysed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer. Geoaccumulation indexes (Igeo) showed strong pollution by Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb confirmed by enrichment factor (EF) suggesting that these metals derived from anthropogenic sources. Toxicity indexes exceeded one in several sites suggesting the potential effects on sediment-dwelling organisms, which may constitute a risk to populations’ health. However, seasonal variability of metal bioavailability was noted, revealing the best period to monitor metal contamination. From an ecotoxicological point of view, concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb were above the effects range low threshold limit of the sediment quality guidelines for adverse biological effects. In addition, with Pb concentrations above the effect range medium values in some sites, biological effects may occur.

Evaluation of metal biouptake from the analysis of bulk metal depletion kinetics at various cell concentrations: theory and application.

Bioavailability of trace metals is a key parameter for assessment of toxicity on living organisms. Proper evaluation of metal bioavailability requires monitoring the various interfacial processes that control metal partitioning dynamics at the biointerface, which includes metal transport from solution to cell membrane, adsorption at the biosurface, internalization, and possible excretion. In this work, a methodology is proposed to quantitatively describe the dynamics of Cd(II) uptake by Pseudomonas putida. The analysis is based on the kinetic measurement of Cd(II) depletion from bulk solution at various initial cell concentrations using electroanalytical probes. On the basis of a recent formalism on the dynamics of metal uptake by complex biointerphases, the cell concentration-dependent depletion time scales and plateau values reached by metal concentrations at long exposure times (>3 h) are successfully rationalized in terms of limiting metal uptake flux, rate of excretion, and metal affinity to internalization sites. The analysis shows the limits of approximate depletion models valid in the extremes of high and weak metal affinities. The contribution of conductive diffusion transfer of metals from the solution to the cell membrane in governing the rate of Cd(II) uptake is further discussed on the basis of estimated resistances for metal membrane transfer and extracellular mass transport.

The Lusitanian toadfish as bioindicator of estuarine sediment metal burden: The influence of gender and reproductive metabolism

Early diagenetic processes and anthropogenic activities are responsible for metal enrichment in estuarine sediments. The Tagus estuary (Portugal) is no exception, and as a result of past and present pressures, surface sediment contamination is still an issue in some areas. Since such metal loads may be incorporated by benthic organisms, this study analyzed the accumulation of trace metals in the Lusitanian toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus) in the Tagus estuary. In order to determine the role played by the seasonal reproductive cycle of the Lusitanian toadfish in the bioaccumulation process of trace metals in its tissues, the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in the liver of male and female specimens captured during reproductive and non-reproductive periods. The results showed that metal accumulation in the liver was related simultaneously with gender and season, with females having higher levels of Cd, Cu and Zn during the reproductive period. The metabolic roles of Cu and Zn in embryonic development may explain such results, as both metals accumulated in the female liver to be transported to the gonads later on. Cd, on the other hand, does not have a metabolic role, and the higher concentrations of this metal found in spawning females could be related to the high affinity of Cd to vitellogenin, which is produced in the liver. To assess the species’ potential as an indicator of metal contamination, the concentrations of the seven elements were compared in the muscle tissue of adult, type I males (age ≥5), from two areas with distinct sediment metal loads. Non-essential metals in the muscle reflected the same differences between areas that were found in the sediment samples, evidencing H. didactylus as a potential indicator of those elements bioavailability from the sediment. The results showed that the muscle tissue of adult specimens of a relatively sedentary species such as H. didactylus is a useful indicator of long term accumulation of trace metals. On the contrary, liver concentrations of trace metals showed variation according to the reproductive status, which could lead to overestimate of the environmental status concerning trace metals bioavailability. Spawning season and liver tissue should thus be avoided in biomonitoring studies targeting this benthic fish.

Biomonitoring of trace metal bioavailabilities to the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite along the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf

The fouling barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite is a cosmopolitan biomonitor of trace metal bioavailabilities, with an international comparative data set of body metal concentrations. Bioavailabilities of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, V and Zn to A. amphitrite were investigated at 19 sites along the Iranian coast of the understudied Persian Gulf. Commercial and fishing ports showed extremely high Cu bioavailabilities, associated with high Zn bioavailabilities, possibly from antifouling paints and procedures. V availability was raised at one port, perhaps associated with fuel leakage. Cd bioavailabilities were raised at sites near the Strait of Hormuz, perhaps affected by adjacent upwelling off Oman. The As data allow a reinterpretation of the typical range of accumulated As concentrations in A. amphitrite. The Persian Gulf data add a new region to the A. amphitrite database, confirming its importance in assessing the ecotoxicologically significant trace metal contamination of coastal waters across the world.

Bioavailable trace metals in micro-tidal Thambraparani estuary, Gulf of Mannar, SE coast of India

Thirty surface sediment samples from two different seasons pre-monsoon (PRM), post-monsoon (POM) were analyzed for texture, carbonates, organic matter (OM) and leachable trace metals (LTMs) (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cd) from the micro-tidal estuary of Thambraparani river located in Gulf of Mannar, SE coast of India. Finer fractions (mud: 3–87%) and OM (2.6–8.0%) dominate the region and the concentration pattern of LTMs indicate that mostly all the metals are concentrated in the POM season than PRM. Correlation analysis indicates that LTMs are also bound with the OM, mud and are bound with Fe–Mn oxides. Pb concentration (14–103 μg g−1) exceeds the sediment quality guideline value indicating its anthropogenic origin. Low flow condition exists in the estuarine region due to the control over fresh water inflow in the upstream side and the higher concentration of metals [avg. (μg g−1) Cr 10; Cu 11; Zn 28] is due to the precipitation from estuarine water to the sediments and is also bioavailable to the marine biota in the region.