61-Evaluation of heavy metals concentration in Sankey tank system - During and after restoration

Abstract

Present study is aimed to know the concentrations of seven heavy metals namely iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in water, grass and surface sediment samples of restored Sankey tank. Measurements were done using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer after pretreatment of samples. Average value of Fe in water sample is exceeding the limit of the Indian Standards (IS) prescribed for the drinking water. Naturally, it is observed that, in sediment samples concentration of metals are high compared to the water and grass samples. But Zn and Cd mean values are found maximum in water samples. Data reveals that only four metals (Fe, Zn, Cu and Ni) are available in dissolved form (water soluble) to aquatic plants and bioaccumulation factor of grass samples is found highest for cu. Calculated geoaccumulation index values compare with local standards indicates that sediments are free from metals contamination.