Environmental Risk of Heavy Metals in the Southern coast of Kerala, India

Abstract

The study assessed the environmental and ecological risk of heavy metals such as Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn) & Mercury (Hg) in the south west coast of Kerala, India. Site 1 – considered by tourist arrival and a spiritual pilgrimage centre ensuing in domestic and organic pollution. Site 2 is characterized by oil contamination since it is a fishing harbour with immense motor boat / trawler traffic.       Site 3 characterized by inorganic effluence of heavy metals and trace metals due to release of sewages from the KMML Titanium dioxide manufacturing plant. Site 4 since it is alleged to be near primeval being post tsunamic and also lacking any manufacturing / agronomic to enterprise in the area. The area of study which extends from the stretch of coastal belt is a vital part of the Arabian Sea. The study clearly indicates that there is a substantial accretion of heavy metals within the water column and sediment. Heavy metal concentrations were found to exhibit significant spatio-temporal variations in the water column (p<0.01), but only Pb showed significant spatiotemporal variations in sediment (p<0.099). Cd, Cr, and Ni did not exhibit significant spatiotemporal variations, but Zn showed significant variations during the study periods. These findings validate severity of pollution status of Kerala's southern coast.