Toxic and Trace Metals in Thane Creek

Trace metals are intrinsic, natural constituents of our environment. Apart from the natural sources, several anthropogenic ones also contribute to metal concentrations in the environment. Some of the anthropogenic sources of the metals in the environment are: mining, smelting, production and use of the compounds and materials containing the metals, burning of fossil fuels, waste dumping and leaching of waste dumps, urban run-off, sewage effluents and agricultural run-off. Toxic metals to a large extent are dispersed in the environment through industrial effluents, organic wastes, refuse burning, transport and power generation. They can be carried to places many miles away from the source depending upon whether they are in the gaseous form or as particulates. Another means of dispersal, especially in the hydrosphere is the transport of the effluent from catchment areas which have been contaminated by wastes from various industries.