Heavy metal and potential ecological risk assessment in sedimentscollected from Poombuhar to Karaikal Coast of Tamilnadu using Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique

Heavy metal concentrations in coastal sediments from Poombuhar to Karaikal of South East Coast of Tamilnadu were conducted to evaluate the level of contamination. The metal concentrations were analyzed in sediment samples using Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. The determined mean metal concentration is in the order of Ca > Ti > K > Al > Fe > Mg > Zn > Ni > Cr > V > Mn > Co The heavy metals contamination in sediments is assessed using pollution indices like Contamination factor (Cf), Contamination Degree (Cd), Modified Degree of Contamination (mCd) and potential contamination index (Cp). The environmental risks of the heavy metals in sediments assessed by the potential ecological risk factor. From the analysis, sediments are polluted by Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Ca and Pb due to anthropogenic activites (fishermen boat activites) in the study area. The results of this study would provide a useful aid for sustainable marine management in the region.