This paper presents the first detailed investigation on the residual levels of organochlorine insecticide
(OCI) concentrations in the Cochin estuarine sediment. It aims in elucidate their distribution and ecological
impact on the aquatic system. Concentrations of persistent organochlorine compound (OC) were
determined for 17 surface sediment samples which were collected from specific sites of Cochin Estuarine
System (CES) over a period of November 2009 and November 2011. The contaminant levels in the CES
were compared with other worldwide ecosystems. The sites bearing high concentration of organochlorine
compounds are well associated with the complexities and low energy environment. Evaluation of
ecotoxicological factors suggests that adverse biological effects are expected in certain areas of CES
Sujatha, C H; Akhil, P S; Manju, Nair P(July 17, 2013)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
This article present the result from a study of two sediment cores collected from the
environmentally distinct zones of CES. Accumulation status of five toxic metals: Cadmium (Cd), Chromium
(Cr), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb) were analyzed. Besides texture and CHNS were determined to
understand the composition of the sediment. Enrichment Factor (EF) and Anthropogenic Factor (AF) were
used to differentiate the typical metal sources. Metal enrichment in the cores revealed heavy load at the
northern (NS1 ) region compared with the southern zone (SS1). Elevation of metal content in core NS1 showed
the industrial input. Statistical analyses were employed to understand the origin of metals in the sediment
samples. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) distinguishes the two zones with different metal accumulation
capacity: highest at NS1 and lowest at SS1. Correlation analysis revealed positive significant relation only in
core NS1, adhering to the exposition of the intensified industrial pollution