Spatial Distribution of Some Heavy Metal Dynamics in Bay of Bengal (from Kakinada to Kalingapatnam, Andhra Pradesh), India

The present study was carried out to determine the concentrations of selected heavy metals Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in four stations of east coast of Bay of Bengal waters. A total number of 60 samples were collected from offshore of Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Bheemili and Kalingapatnam at different depths ranging from 0 to 40 meters. The heavy metals were estimated by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and statistical analysis was performed by One way ANOVA. The order of dissolved concentrations of these metals was found to be as follows: Zn>Ni>Pb>Mn>Cr>Cu>Cd. Metal enrichments observed close to major urban areas of Visakhapatnam and Kakinada waters are associated with industrialized activities rich in zinc and lead concentrations. The levels of these trace metals were found to be moderately high in Bheemili waters and relatively low in Kalingapatnam, which signify negligible pollution at this location. These results indicate the impact of anthropogenic inputs on distribution of these metals in sea waters.