Analysis of Heavy Metals Accumulation in Mangroves and Associated mangroves Species of Ennore Mangrove Ecosystem, East Coast India

This study is to collect the samples of true mangrove plant, associated mangrove plants, water and sediments from Ennore Mangrove Ecosystem and the samples are analyzed for heavy metals accumulation. Methods/ Statistical Analysis: The water, sediment and plant materials were collected at 6 locations. After the collection, the plant materials were washed with distilled water and they were dried and acid digested. Further the samples were subjected to analysis of heavy metals by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Triplicate samples were analyzed and their results were expressed in ppm. The statistical analysis ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and DMRT (Duncan Multiple Range Test) were used. Findings: The maximum concentrations of metals were accumulated (lead-20.93±0.26 ppm/l in water and 48.5±1.44 ppm/g in sediments) in station 4, 5 and minimum concentration (zinc -2.95±0.25 ppm/l in water and 4.36±0.10 ppm/g in sediment) was observed in station 5. In overall average accumulation of heavy metals like Pb (6.09±4.59 ppm/g) > Zn (4.35±3.22 ppm/g) > Cd (3.78±2.80 ppm/g) > Hg (2.84 ± 2.70 ppm/g) > Cr (2.76±2.90 ppm/g) > Cu (0.58 ±0.42 ppm/g) found in the Avicennia marina followed by Pb (4.19±3.13 ppm/g) > Zn (4.12±3.32 ppm/g) > Cd (3.78±2.79 ppm/g) Cr (2.47±1.91 ppm/g) Hg (1.89±1.61ppm/g) > Cu (1.27±1.20 ppm/g) in the Suaeda nudiflora and Pb (4.39±3.23 ppm/g) > Zn (3.77±2.99 ppm/g) > Cd (2.39±1.86 ppm/g) > Cr (1.75±1.34 ppm/g) Hg (0.76±0.74 ppm/g) > Cu (0.50±0.40 ppm/g) in the Sesuvium portulacastrum. The metal concentration of the water and sediments were significantly (p<0.05) varied and in plants, lead (Pb) were significantly varied (p<0.05) between selected plants parts then the other metals like Hg, Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn were not significant. Application/Improvements: Heavy metals contamination was observed in all samples. The mangroves accumulated more concentration than associated mangroves, therefore the Avicennia marina is suitable candidate for bioaccumulator and recommended for phytoremediation.