Multivariate statistical and GIS-based approaches for toxic metals in tropical mangrove ecosystem, southeast coast of...

The heavy metal concentrations in water and sediment samples were investigated in the tropical Muthupet mangrove ecosystem, southeast coast of India. The results demonstrated that, ranges of metals in water comprise of Cd-0.05 to 3.72; Cu-0.5 to 4.43; Pb-6.31 to 17.87; Zn-0.0 to12.91 ppm and sediment comprises of Cd-0.06 to 0.57; Cu-4.46 to 20.59; Pb-2.90 to 21.35; Zn-4.41 to 39.18 ppm. In all the three sites, heavy metals in sediment exhibited significant higher concentrations compared to water, except Cd. The spatial distribution of metals in water and sediment samples followed a similar pattern except Cd with the preponderance of Zn (75% of total metals) followed by Cu and Pb. Muller's Geoaccumulation indexes (Igeo) showed Cd is a potent pollutant in the ecosystem and moderately contaminated the study area. The aquaculture and agricultural culture practices follow improper disposal of municipal wastages, and idol immersion activities are the potent metallic sources for heavy metal pollution were identified by performing principle component analysis. In order to protect the ecosystem from further contamination, regular monitoring is needed to in order to control the anthropogenic discharges. Graphical abstract.