Heavy metal pollutants and their spatial distribution in surface sediments from Thondi coast, Palk Bay, South India

Abstract Background The concentration of heavy metals and their spatial distribution in surface sediments collected from the Thondi coast, Palk Bay, South India were analysed this study. sediment grain size, pH, EC, major elements (Fe, Al), metal concentrations (Mn, Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb) determined values for geoaccumulation index ( I geo ), enrichment factor (EF), potential contamination C p ecological risk (RI), (CF), modified degree (m d factors ) calculated based on background to determine pollution level study area. Multivariate analysis such as Pearson’s correlation coefficient, principal component analysis/factor (PCA/FA), cluster analysis, regression are a versatile method identifying sources determining relationship between pollutants marine sediment. Results indices, namely EF, CF, , m P RI, revealed that was due while moderate caused by Pb, Cr. matrix showed strong positive loading Cd its high Anthropogenic inputs municipal wastewater, domestic sewage discharge, fishing harbour activities, industrial aquaculture wastes led increased Moreover, load polluted metals. Conclusion findings area increases toxicity environment, thus affecting ecosystem.