Iron and manganese concentrations in seawater, sediment and marine algae of Tuticorin coast, southeast coast of India

Abstract

Seasonal variation in Fe and Mn concentrations were determined in seawater, sediment and algae (Padina gymnospora and Acanthophora spicifera) in the vicinity of Tuticorin port. Fe and Mn were appreciably higher than other parts of the Indian coast. High content of Fe and Mn were observed in seawater during northeast monsoon (November and December) and postmonsoon (January and March) seasons and in sediment Fe and Mn concentrations were high during monsoon (July to October) and postmonsoon (January, Feberuary) seasons due to increasing inputs of land runoffs. Algae also concentrated more metals during monsoon and postmonsoon seasons. Significantly higher Fe concentration in algae than other parts of the Indian coast reflects the intensity of Fe pollution in Tuticorin coast.