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Anthropogenic influences on toxic metals in water and sediment samples collected from industrially polluted Cuddalore coast, Southeast coast of India

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Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the impact of anthropogenic influences on Cuddalore coast, Southeast coast of India, with regard to physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentration in the surface water and sediment samples of the study area. The samples were collected in different seasons of the year (January–December 2010) and analysed for physicochemical parameters (Temperature, pH, salinity, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, phosphate and silicate) and heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) using standard methods. Results showed that physicochemical characteristics and heavy metals concentration in the samples of the study area were varied seasonally and spatially. The concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediment samples of the study area were higher in the monsoon season compared with those of other seasons. The heavy metal concentration in collected samples was found to be above WHO standards. The order of heavy metals in water and sediment samples was Pb > Cu > Cd > Zn. The heavy metal data were analysed through widely using multivariate statistical methods including principle component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). CA classified the sampling sites into three clusters based on contamination sources and season. The PCA revealed that the season has a huge impact on the levels, types and distribution of metals found in water and sediment samples. The study also shows the main basis of heavy metals pollution at Cuddalore coast is land based anthropogenic inputs as a result of discharging of waste from industries, municipal, agricultural activities and sewage into estuarine regions, which carries the wastes into coastal area during tidal action. Statistical analyses and experimental data revealed that the Cuddalore coast may cause health risk to the recreational users and fisher folk, ultimately warrants environmental quality management to control heavy metal contamination.

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Acknowledgments

Authors are thankful to the authorities of Bharathidasan University for the infrastructure facilities and acknowledge the University Grant Commission (UGC), Government of India for providing the financial support in carrying out this work (Ref. No. F. No. 36-55/2008 (SR) Dated 24-03-2009).

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  1. Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India

    K. Mathivanan & R. Rajaram

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  1. K. Mathivanan
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  2. R. Rajaram
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Correspondence to R. Rajaram.

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Mathivanan, K., Rajaram, R. Anthropogenic influences on toxic metals in water and sediment samples collected from industrially polluted Cuddalore coast, Southeast coast of India. Environ Earth Sci 72, 997–1010 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-3017-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-3017-4

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