Trace metals in sediments of the Zuari river of Goa, west coast of India

Abstract

The bottom sediment samples were collected from the ten sampling stations located along the Zuari river of Goa, west coast of India. The sediment samples were analyzed for some trace metals content viz. Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Cadmium, Cobalt, Copper and Chromium. The collection of the sediment samples were carried out during three seasons viz. Pre-monsoon (February-May), Monsoon (June-September), Post-monsoon (October-January). In general, concentrations of the trace metals in the sediments broadly registered highest values during monsoon season except for cadmium and Iron, which showed slightly higher concentrations during the Post-monsoon season. Relatively higher concentration of Iron during the Post-monsoon and monsoon compared to Pre-monsoon can be attributed to mining and shipping activities along with increased river runoff.