SEDIMENT AND HEAVY-METAL ACCUMULATION IN THE CAUVERY BASIN

Eleven cores were collected from the Cauvery basin. Radiometric dates were used to determine modern sediment accumulation rates. Sediment ac cumulation rates ranged from 0.4 to 4 mm yr(-1). Heavy metal concentra tion decreases with the increase of depth. The heavy metal concentrati ons at certain depths are attributed to the irregular input of metals and their remobilization. Heavy metal accumulations have been computed using sediment accumulation rates, and accumulation rates show an add itional anthropogenic input of metals and sediments in the recent past . Factor analysis and correlation analysis show the diverse source and accumulation mechanism influencing the metal distribution in the basi n.