HEAVY METAL POLLUTION OF COCHIN BACKWATERS
ABSTRACT Cochin backwater is facing serious threat due to heavy metal pollution caused by rapid urbanization and industrialization. In this paper, literatures on heavy metal sources, level and spatio-temporal distribution in water, sediments and organisms were reviewed for a comprehensive understanding of the status of heavy metal pollution in Cochin backwater. Increased levels of the heavy metals encountered were linked to local industrialization. Northern part of the backwater is more polluted by heavy metals compared to southern and middle part of the backwater. High levels of heavy metals were also found in biota. INTRODUCTION Coastal marine ecosystems are vulnerable to adverse impacts from various urban and industrial developmental activities, which could facilitate the disposal of several chemical agents, with consequent degradation in the water quality causing serious health hazards to the aquatic organisms. Among environmental contaminants, heavy metals in effluents...
