Swarnalatha K, Letha J, Ayoob S
Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Trivandrum, Kerala, 695016, India,
Environ Monit Assess. 2014 Jul;186(7):4153-68. doi: 10.1007/s10661-014-3687-8. Epub 2014 Mar 4.
Environmental effects due to continuous accumulation of hazardous materials like heavy metals in the surface sediments of lake systems can stress fragile ecosystems. Elucidating the mechanisms influencing the concentration and distribution of heavy metals becomes vital in formulating lake management strategies to preserve the quality of the water environment. Studying of the effect of seasonal variations on surface sediments will help in understanding the different factors and sources contributing and diluting these persistent pollutants. In this study, heavy metal pollution in a tropical shallow lake (Akkulam-Veli) in South India was investigated by monitoring the seasonal variations of heavy metals and major elements in surface sediments. The metallic pollutants (Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe, and Mn) and major elements (Si, Ti, Al, Ca, Mg, Na, K, and P (measured as oxides) in the surface sediments of this lake were monitored during four consecutive seasons. The results were subjected to correlation analysis and principal component analysis to study the interrelationships of different parameters as well to determine the possible origin of pollutants. Although metal concentrations were found to be unaffected by seasonal variations, the factors contributing to occurrence of these heavy metals were found to be affected by seasonal fluctuations.
湖泊系统表层沉积物中重金属等有害物质的持续积累所产生的环境影响，会对脆弱的生态系统造成压力。阐明影响重金属浓度和分布的机制，对于制定湖泊管理策略以保护水环境质量至关重要。研究季节变化对表层沉积物的影响，将有助于了解导致和稀释这些持久性污染物的不同因素和来源。在本研究中，通过监测印度南部一个热带浅水湖（阿库勒姆 - 韦利湖）表层沉积物中重金属和主要元素的季节变化，对该湖的重金属污染进行了调查。在连续四个季节中，对该湖表层沉积物中的金属污染物（铬、镍、钴、铜、锌、铅、铁和锰）以及主要元素（硅、钛、铝、钙、镁、钠、钾和以氧化物形式测量的磷）进行了监测。对结果进行了相关性分析和主成分分析，以研究不同参数之间的相互关系，并确定污染物的可能来源。尽管发现金属浓度不受季节变化的影响，但发现导致这些重金属出现的因素受到季节波动的影响。
