Studies on Trace Metal Pollution In Water of Lower Gadilam River

Abstract

The present work deals with the studies on trace metal pollution in water of lower Gadilamriver,Tamil Nadu, India. The main objectives of the proposed study are to detect the geochemical characteristics of the water sample collected from Gadilam River and to demarcate the spatial distribution of heavy metals and their influence on water of Gadilamriver and the surrounding   environment. This study revealed that the enhanced concentration of trace metals in most populated urban areas like Cuddalore is due to strong anthropogenic influences. The distribution pattern of trace metals in the sediments according to Enrichment Factor (EF) and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) index were severely polluted with Cu, Mn, Zn &Pb. However the Pollution Load Index (PLI) values confirmed that the sediment quality is deteriorated and this may have severe impact on the ecosystem that depends on it. To prevent severe heavy toxic metal pollution of the Cuddalore area, especially at and in the vicinity of communities exposed to anthropogenic-derived metal inputs, it becomes imperative to implement timely monitoring and remediation strategies to alleviate the loadings and cumulative concentrations of trace metals in the studied area.