DISTRIBUTION OF HEAVY-METALS IN ESTUARIES OF SOUTHEAST COAST OF INDIA

Concentration of Zn in water showed higher level in the Vellar estuary when compared to other areas. The Zn and Cu level in sediment was fou nd to be higher in Vellar and Uppanar estuary respectively largely due to their sediment texture and source of metal. A distinct seasonal pa ttern of both water and sediment metal concentration was observed with higher levels coinciding during monsoon and lower values during summe r period.