Trace metal contamination of the marine environment in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar

Abstract

The effect of anthropogenic activities has been studied in two stations, each in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar,
\nand compared with an offshore site in the former bay for one year on a monthly basis. The mean level of trace
\nmetals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) in sediment from polluted areas was 1.23 ppm, 5.42 ppm, 15.52 ppm and 7 ppm
\nrespectively. The maximum Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn level in seawater from polluted areas were 1.11 ppb, 26.78
\nppb, 21.35 ppb and 247.12 ppb respectively. The mean level of these metals in zooplankton and clam from
\npolluted areas were 1.12 ppm, 14.47 ppm, 24.03 ppm and 267.2 ppm respectively. Analysis of variance
\n(ANOVA) showed no significant difference in the trace metal levels in water, tissue and sediment between
\npolluted and reference station. The paper draws attention to the concentrations of trace metals in the marine
\nenvironment and biota of Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar along with other hydrological parameters.