Dynamics of heavy metal accumulation in an endosulfan affected area of Kasaragod district, southwest coast of India

Abstract

The heavy metal accumulation study on bed sediments of Kodangari stream situated in Enmakaje panchayath of Kasaragod district, Kerala, has been carried out. A total of 20 sediment samples along the stream were collected and analyzed for the concentration of heavy metals, namely manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe), using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The observed concentration of Mn varies in the range of 0.14–32.80 ppm, the concentration of Zn varies in the range of 0.15–10.80 ppm, the concentration of Cu varies in the range of 1.80–12.20 ppm, and the concentration of Fe varies in the range of 19.12–378 ppm. The physicochemical parameters, namely pH, moisture content, organic matter content, and electrical conductivity, associated with the samples were also measured and correlated with the concentration of heavy metals. There exists a good correlation between the concentration of heavy metals and various physicochemical parameters. The results obtained are presented and discussed in detail in the manuscript.

Keywords

• concentration
• endosulfan
• heavy metal
• sediments