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Abstract
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Article Information:
A Multivariate Statistical Approach for Monitoring of Heavy Metals in Sediments: A Case Study from Wailpalli Watershed, Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh, India
A. Keshav Krishna, K. Rama Mohan and N.N. Murthy
Corresponding Author: A. Keshav Krishna
Submitted: 2010 October, 30
Accepted: 2010 November, 26
Published: 2011 March, 05 |
Abstract:
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The aim of the present study, focuses on investigation of heavy metal distribution in sediments of
the Wailpalli watershed located in Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh, India, and to study different causes
of enrichment by applying multivariate statistics on the studied elements, including correlation and factor
analyses, and to identify possible sources of sediment bound heavy metals. Sediment samples were collected
along the streams from a depth of 0-10 cm and were analyzed for Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Zn and Zr
by using Philips PW 2440 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). The concentration ranges were Ba 128.5
to 929.4 mg/kg, Co 0.4 to 36.2 m g/kg, C r 15.8 to 107.8 mg/kg, Cu 1.6 to 43.1 mg/kg, Ni 0.2 to 69.8 mg/kg, Pb
2.3 to 14.1 mg/kg, Rb 8.0 to 446.2 mg/kg, Sr 73.0 to 360.6 mg/kg, V 7.9 to 240.8 mg/kg, Zn 24.5 to 130.1
mg/kg, and Zr 108.4 to 2668 mg/kg. Distribution maps metal concentrations in sediments were plotted by
Golden Software’s SURFER program. Using multivariate statistical analysis (correlation coefficients, factor
analysis), the interrelationships among elements, and Enrichment Factor (EF) was calculated to differentiate
the origin of metals between anthropogenic and geogenic sources. The results of median EF indicate no
significant enrichment of the metals (Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, V and Zn) except for high Pb and Ni possibly
indicating some point source input to the stream sediments. However, systematic and continuous monitoring
of the study area for heavy metals is necessary as most of the area in Wailpalli watershed is under active
irrigation and these elements may enter the food chain, and could be hazardous to human health.
Key words: Enrichment factor, India, metal distribution, heavy metals, sedim ents, wailpalli,
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Cite this Reference:
A. Keshav Krishna, K. Rama Mohan and N.N. Murthy, . A Multivariate Statistical Approach for Monitoring of Heavy Metals in Sediments: A Case Study from Wailpalli Watershed, Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, (2): 103-113.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-0492
ISSN (Print): 2041-0484 |
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