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An investigation into the heavy metal burden of Akkulam–Veli Lake in south India

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Abstract

The heavy metal burden of Akkulam–Veli Lake, a shallow lake in southern part of India, is investigated through the analysis of surface sediments. The average concentrations of heavy metals such as lead, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, cobalt, iron, and manganese were determined at selected stations. The degree of contamination of selected stations was evaluated using indices such as enrichment factor, contamination factor, and pollution load index and compared with sediment quality guidelines. Statistical analysis is carried out by correlation analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis to identify relatively homogeneous groups of cases. The results of this study indicate severe contamination at most of the stations selected. The degree of contamination of the lake could be rated as ‘moderate’ to ‘strong’. The average pollution load index shows progressive deterioration of sediment quality indicating ‘risk’ on the aquatic environment and ecosystems of the lake.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS), Thiruvananthapuram, for extending laboratory facilities. The financial assistance from the Centre for Engineering Research and Development, Government of Kerala, is gratefully acknowledged. The authors are extremely thankful to the anonymous reviewers whose critical observations and suggestions were instrumental in improving the quality and precision of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, 695016, Kerala, India

    K. Swarnalatha

  2. Department of Technical Education, Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, 695023, India

    J. Letha

  3. TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, 691005, Kerala, India

    S. Ayoob

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  1. K. Swarnalatha
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Correspondence to K. Swarnalatha.

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Swarnalatha, K., Letha, J. & Ayoob, S. An investigation into the heavy metal burden of Akkulam–Veli Lake in south India. Environ Earth Sci 68, 795–806 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-012-1780-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-012-1780-2

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