Geochemical characterization of major and trace elements in the coastal sediments of India

Thirty-five surface sediment samples from the Indian continental shelf were recovered offshore from the mouths of the major rivers (Brahmaputra, Ganges, Narmada, Tapti, Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery) discharging into the coastal region of both east and west coast, were analysed using ICP–AES for selected major (i.e. Al, Ca, Fe, K, Ti, Mg and Na) and trace elements (e.g. Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Ni, P and V), after total dissolution. The main objectives are to understand the processes controlling major and trace elements in the surface sediments and to identify natural and anthropogenic sources in the coastal environment using statistically regressed elemental concentrations to establish regional baseline levels. Metal enrichments observed close to the major urban areas in the east and west coast are associated with the industrialized activities areas rich in Cu and Co in both the east and west coast sediments. Normalization of metals to Al indicated that high enrichments factors in the order of Ca>Ti≥Fe>Na>Mg>Co>Cu>Ga>V>Ba except K and P depletion. This indicated the characteristic of estuarine sediment showed higher level along the west coast of India which was reflected in the coastal sediments as similar to the source of its origin from the riverine composition and its abundances