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<p>Estuarine wetlands are critical coastal ecosystems increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pollution. This study investigates potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in surface sediments of the Ashtamudi Wetland System (AWS), a Ramsar site in Kerala, India, using samples collected during the monsoon (September 2020) and non-monsoon (April 2021) times during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Sediment texture, organic matter, physicochemical properties, and elemental composition were determined using standard analytical techniques, including Particle Size Analyser (PSA) and Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF), while pollution indices were applied to evaluate sediment quality and metal enrichment. Trace element abundance followed the order Zr &gt; V &gt; Cr &gt; Sr &gt; Zn &gt; Ni &gt; Rb &gt; La &gt; Cu &gt; Ga &gt; Y, while major elements followed Si &gt; Al &gt; Fe &gt; K &gt; Mg &gt; Ti &gt; Ca &gt; Na &gt; P &gt; Mn. Concentrations of Si (22.47%), Ti (0.75%), Cr (177.43&#xa0;ppm), Cu (42.79&#xa0;ppm), Zn (81.27&#xa0;ppm), Zr (477.83&#xa0;ppm), and La (45.73&#xa0;ppm) exceeded local background values. Over 50% of sites exhibited pollution based on the pollution load index, with low-to-moderate contamination degrees. Chemical Index of Alteration values (CIA: 88.68, monsoon; 88.00, non-monsoon) and A–CN–K plots indicated moderate to high chemical weathering. TOC/TN ratios (1.85–15.76) reflected mixed terrestrial and marine organic matter inputs. Correlation and PCA analyses attributed Si, Al, Fe, Mg, and Ca to geogenic sources, while Cr, Cu, Zn, V, and Ni to anthropogenic sources. Human health risk assessment revealed higher non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in children than adults, with ingestion as the dominant pathway. Notably, reduced metal concentrations during COVID-19 lockdown indicate diminished anthropogenic inputs. Continuous monitoring and sustainable management are essential to safeguard these ecosystems and advance United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.</p>

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Integrated assessment of the environmental stress and human health risks associated with potentially toxic elements in Ashtamudi estuarine sediments, India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月14日

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  • Jeenu Jose,
  • A. Krishnakumar,
  • V. R. Adhipa,
  • K. Anoop Krishnan

摘要

Estuarine wetlands are critical coastal ecosystems increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pollution. This study investigates potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in surface sediments of the Ashtamudi Wetland System (AWS), a Ramsar site in Kerala, India, using samples collected during the monsoon (September 2020) and non-monsoon (April 2021) times during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Sediment texture, organic matter, physicochemical properties, and elemental composition were determined using standard analytical techniques, including Particle Size Analyser (PSA) and Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF), while pollution indices were applied to evaluate sediment quality and metal enrichment. Trace element abundance followed the order Zr > V > Cr > Sr > Zn > Ni > Rb > La > Cu > Ga > Y, while major elements followed Si > Al > Fe > K > Mg > Ti > Ca > Na > P > Mn. Concentrations of Si (22.47%), Ti (0.75%), Cr (177.43 ppm), Cu (42.79 ppm), Zn (81.27 ppm), Zr (477.83 ppm), and La (45.73 ppm) exceeded local background values. Over 50% of sites exhibited pollution based on the pollution load index, with low-to-moderate contamination degrees. Chemical Index of Alteration values (CIA: 88.68, monsoon; 88.00, non-monsoon) and A–CN–K plots indicated moderate to high chemical weathering. TOC/TN ratios (1.85–15.76) reflected mixed terrestrial and marine organic matter inputs. Correlation and PCA analyses attributed Si, Al, Fe, Mg, and Ca to geogenic sources, while Cr, Cu, Zn, V, and Ni to anthropogenic sources. Human health risk assessment revealed higher non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in children than adults, with ingestion as the dominant pathway. Notably, reduced metal concentrations during COVID-19 lockdown indicate diminished anthropogenic inputs. Continuous monitoring and sustainable management are essential to safeguard these ecosystems and advance United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.