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Enrichment and toxicity of trace metals in near-shore bottom sediments of Cuddalore, SE coast of India

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Abstract

In order to identify contaminating trace metals and their sources, studies on trace metals are often included in routine environmental monitoring programs. Twenty-five near-shore bottom sediment samples from the inner shelf region (near Cuddalore) of the Bay of Bengal were analysed for sediment texture, organic matter, carbonate (CaCO3) concentrations and total trace metal concentrations (TTMs) (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn and Cd) in order to evaluate geochemical processes such as enrichment and their origin. The presence of carbonates (2.5–5.8 %) indicates the dominance of calcareous shells in the region. A relatively high percentage of organic matter (0.2–3.9 %) is attributed to the predominance of finer sediments entering through the minor rivers. High concentrations of TTMs in fine and organic-rich sediments are influenced by municipal and industrial sources, which contention is well supported by correlations of TTMs concentrations with Fe–Mn fractions. Geoaccumulation index (I geo) calculations indicate that Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd concentrations are above the values expected from their presence in the discharge of effluents from the industrial zones bordering the shoreline. Comparing the findings of the present study with those from different parts of the World, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb appear to be enriched in the sediments of the region.

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Acknowledgments

MJP is grateful to the Department of Science and Technology for award of Young Scientist (SR/FTP/ES-14/2011), and this study is part of DST funding. Special thanks for the permission granted to use the services of “CRV Sagar Paschmi” for collection of sediment samples. VG and SBS thank the assistance of Ph.D Fellowship from UGC, New Delhi, India and CONACyT, Mexico. MPJ is grateful to SNI, CONACyT, IPN (EDI & COFAA) Mexico. This article is 84th contribution from Earth System Sciences Group (ESSG), Chennai, India.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Geology, Centre for Environmental Sciences, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 025, India

    M. Jayaprakash, V. Gopal & R. Kalaivanan

  2. Department of Geology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 025, India

    K. Anandasabari

  3. Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, 07340, México, D.F., Mexico

    S. B. Sujitha & M. P. Jonathan

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  1. M. Jayaprakash
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Correspondence to M. P. Jonathan.

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Jayaprakash, M., Gopal, V., Anandasabari, K. et al. Enrichment and toxicity of trace metals in near-shore bottom sediments of Cuddalore, SE coast of India. Environ Earth Sci 75, 1303 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-016-6082-7

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