V2I11P24

Metal Distribution and Fractionation Profile of Surface Sediment in the Specific Zones of CES

Manju. P. Nair^1*, Sujatha C. H²

Abstract

This research focuses on the geochemistry of metal in total and in fraction using sequential extraction procedure (SEP). Sediments from 17 prominent regions of Cochin estuarine system (CES) was analyzed for metals, their fractions, grain size, total organic carbon (TOC) and CHNS. Approaches of factor analysis (FA) and geochemical indexes (GCI) were used to differentiate the sources of metals. Environmental risk of metals evaluated using risk assessment code (RAC) and mobility factor (MF). The metal fractionation in sediment enable to derive the sediment quality criteria of the estuary. Exchangeable (EXC) and carbonate bound (CA) fractions were dominated in the fractionation profile pose threat to the estuary.

Keywords:

Metal, Fractionation, Sediment, Risk assessment, Cochin Estuarine System