Heavy metal concentration in the coastal wetlands of Thiruvananthapuram district, southern India.
Levels of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn, Fe and Mn) in the surficial sediments of the four coastal wetlands, viz. Poovar, Poonthura, Akkulam-Veli and Kadinamkulam-Anjengo-Akathumuri of Thiruvananthapuram are presented in this study. Further the statistical tools like contamination factor (CF), index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) and pollution load index (PLI) are used to assess the heavy metal pollution. Among the wetlands, Poonthura and Akkulam-Veli were polluted by the heavy metals, as very high values are observed for Pb and Cu indicating high build up of these metals in the sediments. The highest value of CF can be attributed to anthropogenic inputs mainly from urban domestic sewage and land run-off. Based on the value of CF, PLI and Igeo, the Poonthura and Akkulam-Veli wetlands are identified as potential 'hot spots' in the district.
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala, Gandhi Bhavan, University Campus, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, India. ksarunvak@gmail.com
K S
KS
Arunkumar
Sabu
S
Joseph
Jobin
J
Thomas
D004463:Ecology; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis; D007194:India; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D053833:Wetlands
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D019216:Metals, Heavy