IRON AND MANGANESE CONCENTRATIONS IN SEAWATER, SEDIMENT AND MARINE-ALGAE OF TUTICORIN COAST, SOUTHEAST COAST OF INDIA

Seasonal variation in Fe and Mn concentrations were determined in seaw ater, sediment and algae (Padina gymnospora and Acanthophora spicifera ) in the vicinity of Tuticorin port. Fe and Mn were appreciably higher than other parts of the Indian coast. High content of Fe and Mn were observed in seawater during northeast monsoon (November and December) and postmonsoon (January and March) seasons and in sediment Fe and Mn concentrations were high during monsoon (July to October) and postmons oon (January, Feberuary) seasons due to increasing inputs of land runo ffs. Algae also concentrated more metals during monsoon and postmonsoo n seasons. Significantly higher Fe concentration in algae than other p arts of the Indian coast reflects the intensity of Fe pollution in Tut icorin coast.