Study on sequential analysis of trace elements in the sediments of Karaikal Coast, East Coast of India
The present work measures the concentration of different solid species of the trace elements Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Co and Ni in the surface sediments of Arasalar river estuary at different stations & seasons (2011-2012). Analysis of sediments for trace element concentration gives history of accumulation of metals in environments. Estuarine and marine sediments are very important accumulation site of metals in the coastal areas; therefore analyses of these metals are important to assess the degree of pollution in the marine environment. The trace elements were extracted from sediment samples into five chemical phases (Iexchangeable, phase II-bound to carbonate, phase III-bound to Fe-Mn oxides, phase IV-bound to organic matter and phase Vresidual).