Ecotoxicological impact assessment of heavy metals in core sediments of a tropical estuary

Down core variation of heavy metals in three sediment cores from Cochin estuary was studied. The average concentration of iron, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead and mercury in each slices of sediment was determined. Quality of the sediments were evaluated based on sediment quality guidelines, pollution load index, and sum of toxic units and with effect range low/effect range median and threshold effect level/probable effect level values of environmental protection agency guidelines. The degree of contamination for each station was determined. The results of the study revealed higher concentration of heavy metals in surface layers than in deeper ones. The concentration of heavy metals in some stations exceeded the effect range median levels, which represents a probable effect range with in which adverse biological effects frequently occur. The spatial variation of heavy metals showed more contamination in the downstream at Pathalam industrial site. Statistical analysis showed that the correlation among different parameters differs with respect to stations. The present study highlighted severe heavy metal contamination of Cochin estuary with increased rate of deposition.