Evaluation of toxic trace metals Cd and Pb in Arabian Sea waters

Abstract

An attempt has been made to present a picture of the distribution of toxic trace elements Cd and Pb in the Northern Arabian Sea by applying an improved analytical technique for the detection of dissolved forms of the metals at nanogram levels. Depthwise profiles of both the metals have been examined and attempt has been made to correlate these with the general nutrient profiles of the region. Dissolved Pb is higher at surface and decreases deeper down while dissolved Cd shows elevated intermediate or bottom water concentrations at most of the stations. Depth profiles of Cd show similarity with the PO4-P profiles of the region and to a certain extent to the NO sub(3)-N profiles too. Delta Cd: Delta N: Delta P atomic ratio is as 6 x 10 sup(-4):125:1