Distribution of some trace metals in the mandovi estuary of Goa, west coast of India

Abstract

Both surface and bottom water samples were collected from ten sampling stations located along the Mandovi estuary in Goa. These water samples were analyzed for some trace metal contents viz. Zinc, Iron, Cadmium, Cobalt and Copper. The samplings were carried out during three seasons viz. pre-monsoon (February-May), monsoon (June-September), post­ monsoon (October-January). The general distribution of Zinc fg/l) varied from 19.05 to 187.25 during pre-monsoon, 14.7 to 30.75 during monsoon and 3.25 to 23.65 during post­ monsoon while Iron (g/l) concentration varied from 20.95 to 269.65 during pre-monsoon, 8.8 to 114.55 during monsoon and 34.10 to 125.45 during post-monsoon. Cadmium (g/l) concentrations varied from 0.35 to 2.8 during pre-monsoon, from 0.23 to 1.05 during monsoon and from 0.45 to 1.75 during post-monsoon while Cobalt (g/l) concentrations varied from 0.1 to 1.10 during pre-monsoon, from 0.30 to 1.05 during monsoon and from 0.32 to 0.70 during post-monsoon. Copper (g/l) concentrations varied from 0.45 to 0.65 during pre-monsoon, from 0.2 to 5.74 during monsoon and from 0.45 to 5.5 during post­-monsoon.