Speciation of copper in surface waters of the Rushikulya estuary, east coast of India

Speciation study on copper was carried out for a period of one year in Rushikulya estuary, east coast of India. Dissolved and particulate species of copper were found to be high in the lower and upper teaches of the estuary. The percentage of dissolved and particulate species of copper showed significant variations in different seasons because of their involvement in biogeochemical cycles. The results indicated that the CLM and OBM were high during the premonsoon and postmonsoon period respectively, whereas particulate fractions were high during monsoon period. The removal of CLM fraction was low compared to addition but maximum removal of OBM fraction occurred between 0-5x10(-3) salinity.