Fractionation and accumulation of selected metals in a tropical estuary, south-west coast of India.

Estimating the fractional distribution of sediment-bound heavy metals is highly significant for its ecological risk assessment in contaminated aquatic systems, since environmental factors enhance the mobility of heavy metals and its accumulation in different ecological matrices. In this study, the fractional distribution of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu in the sediments of the Cochin estuary, along the south-west coast of India, was estimated along with its accumulation in four edible crustaceans. The high mobility of heavy metals in the Cochin estuary was evident from the distribution in fractions other than residual fraction.

Distribution and risk assessment of trace metals in multifarious matrices of Vembanad Lake system, Peninsular India.

Trace metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems is of significant concern in countries like India having a recent industrial history. The present study mainly focuses on the spatial and temporal distribution, occurrence and toxicity of five trace metals (Hg, Cd, Zn, Cu and Pb) in water and sediment matrix of Vembanad Lake system (VLS), India. Mercury analysis was done by using Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometer, and the other metals were analysed using Volta metric-Trace metal analyser.

Total and methyl mercury in the water, sediment, and fishes of Vembanad, a tropical backwater system in India.

Mercury contamination in the water bodies of developing countries is a serious concern due to its toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation. Vembanad, a tropical backwater lake situated at the southwest coast of India, is the largest Ramsar site in southern India. The lake supports thousands of people directly and indirectly through its resources and ecosystem services.

Mercury in the sediments of Vembanad Lake, western coast of India.

Mercury, a global pollutant, is popping up in places where it was never expected before and it burdens in sediments and other non-biological materials. It is estimated to have increased up to five times the pre-human level due to anthropogenic activities. Vembanad backwaters, one of the largest Ramsar site in India, which have extraordinary importance for its hydrological function, are now considered as one of the mercury hot spots in India.

Mercury fractionation in the sediments of Vembanad wetland, west coast of India.

Transformations among different mercury species associated with sediments can have a major effect on the metal's mobility and potential for methylation and hence bioaccumulation. In the present study, various fractions of mercury in the sediments of Vembanad wetland system analysed. Total mercury (THg) concentration in the surface sediment varied from 16.