International Journal of Zoology Studies
78
International Journal of Zoology Studies
ISSN: 2455-7269
Impact Factor: RJIF 5.14
Volume 2; Issue 6; November 2017; Page No. 78-81
Heavy metal analysis in selected water bodies of Sivakasi town, Tamil Nadu during different seasons
C Alagumurugan, Rajan MK
Post-Graduate and Research, Department of Zoology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous), Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
The present study was undertaken in Periyar colony and Thiruthangal water bodies in Sivakasi town for analysis of seasonal
variations in heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). Heavy metal analysis was carried out for
a period of two years from June 2014 to May 2016 in four seasons as pre-monsoon, monsoon, early post monsoon and late post
monsoon. Concentration of heavy metals Pb, Cd, Ag and Cu were determined by continuous flame method using atomic
absorption spectrophotometer. High level of Cd was reported in Thiruthangal water body (0.0220 ppm± 0.72) during monsoon
season and during late post monsoon (0.2522 ppm ± 1.43) in Periyar colony. High level of Pb was reported during monsoon (0.
0510 ppm ± 0.93) and low during late post monsoon (0. 0089 ppm ± 0.90). High level of Cu was recorded during late post
monsoon (0.0116 ppm ± 0.98) in Periyar colony and during pre-monsoon (0.0159 ppm ± 0.45) season in Thiruthangal water body.
Our study revealed that, accumulation of heavy metals such as Cd, Ag, Pb and Cu showed slight variation between the years 2014-
2015 and 2015-2016. However, concentrations of some metals are higher during summer season. Concentrations of most of heavy
metals in water are observed during monsoon season and this may be mainly due to the addition of heavy metals by run off during
monsoon season.
Keywords:
heavy metals; parameters; pollution; sivakasi; water bodies
1. Introduction
Heavy metals are metallic elements which have high atomic
weight and density much greater than water. There are more
than 20 heavy metals which affects the environment. In which
four heavy metals, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg)
and arsenic (As) are of particular concern to human health.
Adsorption and accumulation of these elements depend on
their concentration, physio-chemical properties of water,
distribution in body and physiological effects of metals
[1]
.
Metals like As, Cd, Pb and methylated mercury have been
reported to have no known importance in human biochemistry
and
physiology,
and
consumption
even
at
very
low
concentrations can be toxic. Toxicity of heavy metals cause
death of various organisms or it shows effect on development,
feeding, activity, reproduction and general physiology
[2]
.
The physical and chemical forms of heavy metals in the fresh
water ecosystem are governed by environmental variables
such as temperature, salinity, pH, biological activities and
metal properties
[3]
. Bio-accumulation of heavy metals by
living organisms is often a good integrative indicator of
exposure
and
has
been
extensively
used
to
assess
contamination levels of heavy metals in polluted ecosystems
[4]
. Even for those that have bioimportance, dietary intakes
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