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Evaluation of total trace metal (TTMs) enrichment from estuarine sediments of Uppanar, southeast coast of India

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Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the impact of anthropogenic influences on Uppanar estuary situated at Cuddalore with regard to trace metal concentration in sediment samples of the study area. The Uppanar River runs similar to the coast south of Cuddalore town and a number of small streams of domestic, treated and unprocessed effluents from industries join the coast through the river. Average concentration of Cr, Cu and Ni (106, 87 and 137.1 ppm) is above the continental value indicating that increase in the concentration may be due to metal industries, and surface runoff of the fertilizer remains increases the concentration of the metal in the sediments. There is moderate level of pollution related to anthropogenic activities. The trace metals showed association with Fe and Mn indicating their adsorption on Fe–Mn oxyhydroxides. Correlation coefficient between pairs of metals concentration show that all metals and organic carbon significantly correlate with trace metal except sand and calcium carbonate. Geoaccumulation index and enrichment factors, the sediment is classified as unpolluted to moderately polluted with Fe, and Cu and moderate to considerable with Pb and Co. From the study, it can be revealed the anthropogenic activities are the prime source for the biodegradable toxic metal in the sediment of Uppanar estuary in the Cuddalore coastal zone.

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Acknowledgments

The study forms a part of the University Grants Commission DST-FIST and SAP (Phase II), awarded to the Department of Applied Geology and Geology, University of Madras. The critical comments by reviewers are highly appreciated. The author (Dr. M. Jayaprakash) is grateful to the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India for the award of BOYSCAST, FASTRACK and UGC-CPEPA programme.

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  1. Department of Applied Geology, Global and Environmental Change Research Group, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Tamil Nadu, India

    G. Kalpana, A. Shanmugasundharam, S. Nethaji, Arya Viswam, R. Kalaivanan, V. Gopal & M. Jayaprakash

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  1. G. Kalpana
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  2. A. Shanmugasundharam
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  7. M. Jayaprakash
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Correspondence to G. Kalpana.

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Kalpana, G., Shanmugasundharam, A., Nethaji, S. et al. Evaluation of total trace metal (TTMs) enrichment from estuarine sediments of Uppanar, southeast coast of India. Arab J Geosci 9, 34 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-015-2048-4

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