Pages: 39-47

Abstract

The establishment of metal levels in sediments can play a key role in detecting sources of pollution in aquatic systems. During the last three decades sediment analysis has acquired a new dimension by being employed as a tool to trace man- made pollution influences in inland and coastal waters. In the present work, the sediment samples from Vandiyur Lake were collected during premonsoon, monsoon and postmonsoon periods in five locations. Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, iron, manganese, zinc and copper were analysed in sediment samples. Among the metals analysed, iron levels were higher and pH was in the alkaline range. Manganese levels and electrical conductivity values were high during postmonsoon period and the results are discussed.