Bulk and partition analysis of heavy metals in sediments of the Bahuda estuary, east coast of India

Geochemical associations of some trace metals (Fe, Mn, Co, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni a nd Pb) along the Bahuda indicate insignificant aerial difference in the tot al trace metal concentrations. Exchangeable fraction constitutes an extreme ly low percentage of total non lithogenous material. The higher availabilit y of Mn compared to Fe in exchangeable fraction is observed. Association of heavy metals (except Mn, Zn and Co) in carbonate phase appears to be the l east dominant phase in the non lithogenous fraction. Fe-Mn oxides-bound fra ction is the dominant phase among non-lithogenous with high scavenging capa city for metal ions like Fe, Mn, Ni and Cr. Organic phase is found to be an efficient scavenger of heavy metals followed by Fe-Mn oxide fraction.