Abstract
Suspended matter in the estuary is an important factor influencing the bioaccumulation of inorganic contaminants. Considering that mining, dredging and transportation by barges as well as mechanized boats can influence the levels of suspended particulate matter in the estuarine environment, an attempt has been made to study the component composition and elemental concentration of suspended matter in the estuarine environment of the River Mandovi, western India. Surface and bottom water samples, collected along the estuarine channel during monsoon, postmonsoon and premonsoon seasons were analyzed for suspended particulate matter and particulate metals. Systematic seasonal variation of Total Suspended Matter (TSM) along the estuarine region was observed. During the monsoon, TSM concentration was high towards the lower portion of the estuary while higher concentrations were observed in upper portions of the estuary especially in the bottom waters during non-monsoon. On an average, TSM was higher in premonsoon followed by monsoon and postmonsoon in both surface and bottom waters. To understand inter-seasonal variation, the salinity and TSM data along with particulate metals (Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn and Co) were plotted on Isocon diagrams. When monsoon and postmonsoon data were compared, salinity is most prominent in postmonsoon whereas, TSM and particulate Fe are prominent in monsoon season in both surface and bottom waters. Comparison of postmonsoon and premonsoon data indicated that salinity and TSM concentrations were higher during premonsoon both in surface and bottom waters. Pronounced levels of particulate Fe, Mn and Co in surface waters and Fe, Mn and Zn in bottom waters are observed during postmonsoon. Plots of premonsoon and monsoon showed salinity and TSM dominant in premonsoon season and particulate Fe was significant in monsoon season in both surface and bottom waters.
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Acknowledgement
RRS thanks the COE- Marine Microbiology, Goa University, supported by Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt of India for the financial assistance in the form of a research fellowship. Authors also wish to thank anonymous reviewer/s for their comments.
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Siraswar, R.R., Nayak, G.N. (2013). Role of Suspended Particulate Matter in Metal Distribution Within an Estuarine Environment: A Case of Mandovi Estuary, Western India. In: Ramkumar, M. (eds) On a Sustainable Future of the Earth's Natural Resources. Springer Earth System Sciences. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-32917-3_21
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-32917-3_21
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