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Evaluation of trace metal contamination history during 1910–2019 AD by 210Pb dating from Lake Pykara sediments, India

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Abstract

Pykara Lake was formed as a result of the dam and power plant built on the river, and it is surrounded by a rich green shola forest. It is a popular tourist site that is situated in the Western Ghats. The trace metal contamination history of Lake Pykara was investigated utilizing a 210Pb-dated core sediment sample and EDXRF over the calendar year 1910–2019 AD. The metal concentrations (Mn, Cr, Cu, Cd, Ni, Zn, As, Pb, and Co) were found to vary significantly over time, implying a contribution from both geogenic and human causes such as nearby rocks, fossil fuel combustion, sewage, and agrochemicals. The average sedimentation rate of the Lake Pykara sediment core was calculated to be around 0.70 cm year−1, corresponding to an age of 109 years. The contamination factor (Cf) suggested a low to very high level of contamination in the study area. Sediment samples with moderate-high potential toxicity levels were detected using sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). Assessment of the ecological risk of the sediments revealed a considerable ecological risk in the study area. It is evident that continual monitoring and control are necessary to avoid serious pollution from sewage, agriculture, and commercial operations in the regions surrounding the lake.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are greatly indebted to R.K. Singhal, Head, Analytical Spectroscopy Section, Department of Analytical Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Mumbai, India, for his support to uphold at different phases of this work. The authors are additionally grateful to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chennai, and the District Forest Officer, Nilgiri Forest division, Udhagamandalam, for allowing us to gather sediment samples at Lake Pykara.

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The author used ArcGIS 10.1, Origin 2019, SPSS (version 21) to carry out the analysis.

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  1. Department of Earth Sciences, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India

    Krishna Kumar Singh & Sivaprakasam Vasudevan

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Conceptualization: Krishna Kumar Singh and Sivaprakasam Vasudevan. Methodology: Krishna Kumar Singh], and Sivaprakasam Vasudevan. Formal analysis and investigation: Krishna Kumar Singh. Writing—original draft preparation: Krishna Kumar Singh. Writing—review and editing: Sivaprakasam Vasudevan. Supervision: Sivaprakasam Vasudevan.

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Correspondence to Sivaprakasam Vasudevan.

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Singh, K.K., Vasudevan, S. Evaluation of trace metal contamination history during 1910–2019 AD by 210Pb dating from Lake Pykara sediments, India. Arab J Geosci 16, 236 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-023-11305-4

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