An appraisal of pollution level in the sediments of forthcoming Vizhinjam port zone, Southwest coast of India

Abstract

A pilot study on the granulometry and geochemical distribution of major and trace elements were carried out in the surface sediments of the port zone. Granulometric studies inferred the dominance of sand fractions in this high energy regime. Heavy metal concentrations in the area are below the threshold levels associated with the toxicological effects and the regulatory limits and this confirms the lithogenic origin of metals. Metal enrichments observed at Kovalam, an international tourist destination specifies the anthropogenic influence. Present study reveals that as of now there is no distinctiveness either in the distribution of sediments or the heavy metals signifying an immaculate coastal environment.