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<p>Accumulation of potentially toxic metals, both in biotic and abiotic systems, is a serious concern due to the longevity and toxic characteristics of such substances. Vellayani Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in Kerala, is one that many people depend directly and indirectly on for resources and ecosystem services. The lake is prone to potentially toxic metals pollution from the nearby urban areas and the fertilizer-intensive agricultural activities in the surroundings. The present study investigates the distribution of potentially toxic metals and nutrients in the surface sediment samples collected from Vellayani Lake. Ten representative sediment samples were collected from different parts of the lake, and the concentrations of various potentially toxic metals were assessed. The study reveals that the average concentration of potentially toxic metals in the sediment samples follows the order; Fe (1004.96&#xa0;ppm) &gt; Zn (171.71&#xa0;ppm) &gt; Cu (138.1&#xa0;ppm) &gt; Mn (138.06&#xa0;ppm) &gt; Ni (113.38&#xa0;ppm) &gt; Pb (93.15&#xa0;ppm) &gt; Cd (12.87&#xa0;ppm) &gt; Cr (12.68&#xa0;ppm). The dominance of the potentially toxic metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, and Cr) in the sediment samples is a major threat to the biota. A detailed assessment of the extent of sediment pollution by computing various quality indices was also carried out, and the results reveal that the lake remains severely polluted, especially at certain stations. The correlation study and principal component analysis indicate that the potentially toxic metals have a common origin which may be attributed to agricultural and domestic activities. To protect Vellayani Lake from further degradation, regular sediment monitoring and remedial measures are essential, both for the sustainable existence of aquatic life and for the better health of the human population that depends on the lake for water, food, and livelihood.</p>

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Spatial distribution and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in surface sediment of Vellayani Lake, South India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月16日

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  • Sonu Sasidharan,
  • Vijaykumar Pattathil,
  • Jaya Divakaran Sarasamma

摘要

Accumulation of potentially toxic metals, both in biotic and abiotic systems, is a serious concern due to the longevity and toxic characteristics of such substances. Vellayani Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in Kerala, is one that many people depend directly and indirectly on for resources and ecosystem services. The lake is prone to potentially toxic metals pollution from the nearby urban areas and the fertilizer-intensive agricultural activities in the surroundings. The present study investigates the distribution of potentially toxic metals and nutrients in the surface sediment samples collected from Vellayani Lake. Ten representative sediment samples were collected from different parts of the lake, and the concentrations of various potentially toxic metals were assessed. The study reveals that the average concentration of potentially toxic metals in the sediment samples follows the order; Fe (1004.96 ppm) > Zn (171.71 ppm) > Cu (138.1 ppm) > Mn (138.06 ppm) > Ni (113.38 ppm) > Pb (93.15 ppm) > Cd (12.87 ppm) > Cr (12.68 ppm). The dominance of the potentially toxic metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, and Cr) in the sediment samples is a major threat to the biota. A detailed assessment of the extent of sediment pollution by computing various quality indices was also carried out, and the results reveal that the lake remains severely polluted, especially at certain stations. The correlation study and principal component analysis indicate that the potentially toxic metals have a common origin which may be attributed to agricultural and domestic activities. To protect Vellayani Lake from further degradation, regular sediment monitoring and remedial measures are essential, both for the sustainable existence of aquatic life and for the better health of the human population that depends on the lake for water, food, and livelihood.