Assessment of heavy metal contamination in the surface sediments of the Vedaranyam coast, Southern India
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: The marine sediments of the Vedaranyam coast were examined for their heavy metal contamination largely contributed by natural and anthropogenic activities. Sediment samples were collected and assessed for metals such as chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and cobalt (Co). The individual toxic risk index (TRIi) of metals in this study is significantly variable for Cr (0.88–1.10), Cu (1.78–2.73), Zn (2.33–4.81) and Ni (1.10–4.62). TRIi in the sediments is below 5 for Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni suggesting the absence of any toxic risk in the aquatic life. To assess the natural and anthropogenic contamination as well as to know the sediment quality, various indices such as the geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor, pollution load index, and contamination factor were computed. The enrichment factor result shows that the heavy metals are primarily from anthropogenic sources. There is a high positive correlation among the heavy metals, indicating a similar origin.
Institutions: University of Madras, Pondicherry University, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, Anna University, Chennai, Ministry of Education, National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Chennai, University of Lausanne, King Saud University, Université Ibn Zohr, University of Coimbra
Language: English
Topic: Heavy metals in environment
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,790
OpenAlex ID: W4382651908