Sediment samples were collected from Kallar, Korampallam creek and Punnakayal estuaries of Tuticorin coast for assessing the level of contamination by trace elements in these estuarine sediments. The trace element concentration, calcium... more
Sediment samples were collected from Kallar, Korampallam creek and Punnakayal estuaries of Tuticorin
coast for assessing the level of contamination by trace elements in these estuarine sediments. The trace
element concentration, calcium carbonate, organic carbon and mercury level were analyzed by Inductively
Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer, Titrimetric method and SnCl2 reduction
method. The results reveals that the enrichment factor, metal pollution index and geo-accumulation
index of these estuarine sediments were predominantly polluted by Cd, As, Zn, Hg and Pb. The factor
analysis revealed the source of trace element accumulation in the estuarine sediments particularly Mn
and Fe are from riverine inputs and As and Hg from untreated industrial effluents. Among the selected
estuaries, Korampallam creek was found to be highly contaminated by trace elements due to the discharge
of effluents from thermal power plant, Tuticorin alkali chemicals, copper smelting, Petrochemical
industries and shipping activities.
coast for assessing the level of contamination by trace elements in these estuarine sediments. The trace
element concentration, calcium carbonate, organic carbon and mercury level were analyzed by Inductively
Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer, Titrimetric method and SnCl2 reduction
method. The results reveals that the enrichment factor, metal pollution index and geo-accumulation
index of these estuarine sediments were predominantly polluted by Cd, As, Zn, Hg and Pb. The factor
analysis revealed the source of trace element accumulation in the estuarine sediments particularly Mn
and Fe are from riverine inputs and As and Hg from untreated industrial effluents. Among the selected
estuaries, Korampallam creek was found to be highly contaminated by trace elements due to the discharge
of effluents from thermal power plant, Tuticorin alkali chemicals, copper smelting, Petrochemical
industries and shipping activities.
