Trace Metal Levels in the Sediments of the Cochin Backwaters

Abstract

Levels of Cu, Mn, Co, Ni and Zn at four stations in the northern arm of the Cochin backwaters, Kerala, India, which runs through an industrial belt is reported. All metals showed some degree of variation over the area studied. Co showed the lowest variation while Cu and Zn values were found to vary with stations and seasons. The main effluent discharge site showed significant enrichment in Cu during the monsoon season and in Zn during the premonsoon. Barmouth showed an increase in metal content of sediments in the postmonsoon season. Enrichment in Zn was evident downstream of effluent discharge area during post and premonsoon season