Characteristics and Distribution of Elements in the Sediments of Manakudy Estuary South West Coast of India

Characteristics and distribution of elements in the sediments of manakudy estuary has been studied. Based on their nature, five stations have been ear marked for sampling. Station I is situated between the Estuarine mouth bed and bridge. Station II is located near the mangrove forest and north of previous station. Station III is characterized by the presence of agricultural farm lands. A few salt pans are present on the eastern bank of station IV. The last station V is located near the river basin. Nearly 25 samples have been collected. The Maximum value of Organic carbon and Nitrogen were observed in station III. The low C/N ratio may be due to lack of suspended matter in the estuary. The higher alkalinity observed in station II and III indicated the influence of sewage discharge from coir retting units. Concentration of calcium and magnesium were higher in station I and the concentration of iron and aluminum were higher in station V. The trace metal concentration were higher in the central part of the estuary compared to other regions.