Dissolved and particulate trace metals in the Western Bay of Bengal

Abstract

Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Pb, both in soluble and particulate forms were studied in the upper 200 m depth. Correlation between the trace metal concentration and the primary productivity was also investigated. Zn, Ni and Co were present in high concentrations in the waters and particulate matter. Zn and Cu concentrations were high in marine phytoplankton. Characteristics of inshore waters with respect to trace metals and total suspended matter could be identified in the offshore waters off Godavari Estuary up to 500 km away from the shore. Inshore waters showed higher concentrations of soluble Zn, Ni and Co than that normally found in river water. Zn and Ni were found to be in higher concentration in offshore waters.