Distribution of sediment parameters and depositional environment of mudflats of Mandovi estuary, Goa, India

Abstract

Tidal flats are being used to understand sea level changes, pollution history, and depositional environment. From the part of the long-term study, distribution of sediment components organic carbon, total phosphorus, and selected elements (Fe, Mn, and Cr) are used in this paper to understand diagenetic processes and hydrodynamic processes involved during the deposition of sediment. The present study revealed that the sediment components, organic carbon, and phosphorus play an important role in controlling the distribution and concentration of elements. Importance of the oxic-anoxic layer in the distribution and concentration of metals are discussed. Hydrodynamic conditions of the sediments deposited are delineated using triangular diagram.