Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Coastal Sediments of Vasai Region

Accumulation of heavy metals in the sediments of coastal wetlands has been observed the world over due to anthropogenic inputs. The research paper presents the results of a study carried out to assess the levels of heavy metal accumulation in the coastal sediments of Vasai region. The accumulation levels of Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu, Al, Cd, Co and Hg in the sediments of the study area were determined by ICP-AES methods. Extremely high levels of toxic heavy metals were detected. The concentration levels in the sediments of the study area varied in the following order Fe> Cr> Zn> Ni> Cu> Al> Co> Pb> Cd. The results of the study are indicative of the deteriorating status of the once pristine estuarine environment of Vasai.