Distribution, ecological risk assessment, and source identification of potential toxic elements (PTEs) in Muttukadu backwater sediments, Southern India

Muttukadu Backwater is a robust estuary on the east coast of Tamil Nadu is contaminated by industrial, residential, and tourism-related activity (especially boat houses). In this present research, we investigated the heavy metal pollution, spatial distribution and statistical analysis of muttukadu coastal sediments, east coast of the Bay of Bengal in south India. In this study, we present the distribution of heavy metals in backwater sediments reveals enhanced levels of Fe, Mn, Cr, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Co and the highest concentrations of these metals are found at stations 2, 4, and 8. Based on contamination indices such as CD, Igeo, and PLI, moderate contamination is clear evident. However, the present data of Cr, Cu, and Pb metals have indicated low to moderate anthropogenic influence. We have identified the metals of Cr, Cu, and Pb indicated the High habitat risks are highlighted by ecological risk assessments, and it is due to the anthropogenic factors. Cu, Mn, Zn, and Cr are sourced from anthropogenic sources, while Pb, As, Co, and Ni originate from natural sources, according to spatial distribution analysis. A significant disturbance to the aquatic environment is caused by human activity. In this present study, underscores the necessity of pre-flooded dataset for future comparative research and ecological conservation in Muttukadu Backwater and their environments.