ASSESSMENT OF METAL POLLUTION IN INTER TIDAL AND BEACH SEDIMENTS ALONG NORTH EAST COAST OF TAMILNADU, INDIA.

The concentrations of major (Al, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, K and Ca) and trace (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) elements have been determined in inter tidal and beach surface sediments samples collected from North east coast of Tamilnadu, India. Major element analysis showed that the sediments had low concentrations when compared with crustal average and upper continental crust. Using sediment quality guidelines and different types of indexes, current trace elements pollution status in the study area were assessed. Sediment quality guidelines suggest that nickel and lead must be considered as a chemically potential concern in the study area. The indexes used in this study were enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index and modified degree of contamination. Different indexes gave diverse status of inter tidal and beach sediment quality. The results are discussed in the context of the sources and pathways of trace elements in the North east coast of Tamilnadu, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]