Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Sediments of Diva-Motagaon Creek Thane District, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The increasing levels of toxic heavy metals in aquatic environments pose significant threats to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. The Diva-Motagaon Creek, located in Thane District, Mumbai, is one such site under investigation in this study, which aims to analyze the concentrations of various toxic heavy metals in sediment samples. As a reliable and accurate method, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to study the effects of long-term pollution load and the buildup of heavy metal contaminants in this estuarine ecosystem.
Sediment samples were collected from four strategically selected stations along the Diva-Motagaon Creek, covering four seasons from January 2023 to December 2023. The four seasons—pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon, and summer—were chosen to capture the seasonal variations in pollution levels, as aquatic environments are highly dynamic and pollutant concentrations can fluctuate due to factors like rainfall, industrial runoff, and human activities. The collected samples were analysed for the presence of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), which are commonly found in environmental pollution, particularly industrial effluents, urban runoff, and agricultural practices.
The analysis revealed notable variations in the concentrations of these heavy metals across different seasons and geographical locations within the creek. Zinc was found to be the most abundant heavy metal, followed by iron, copper, lead, and chromium, in that order. The fact that the concentration changes with the seasons suggests that the metal levels are affected by things like industrial discharges, monsoon runoff, and human activities in the area, such as religious events like immersing Ganapati idols. Among the studied metals, zinc showed the highest concentrations, which may be attributed to local industrial activities and sewage discharge into the creek.
The results of this study demonstrate that heavy metal pollution in Diva-Motagaon Creek is influenced by a combination of natural processes and anthropogenic activities. High levels of metals like lead, copper, and chromium are especially bad for the environment because they can build up in aquatic organisms and make fish, invertebrates, and other marine life sick. Zinc, while essential in trace amounts for aquatic organisms, can become toxic in higher concentrations, disrupting the health of aquatic ecosystems.
The study’s findings are crucial for environmental management and policy development, as they offer a scientific basis for monitoring and controlling pollution in the Diva-Motagaon Creek. The findings indicate the need for immediate action to reduce the heavy metal concentrations in the creek, particularly through effective waste management practices, industrial regulation, and pollution control strategies. The fishing industry is prevalent in the area, and the study's results emphasise the importance of protecting aquatic resources to ensure the safety of local livelihoods and the sustainability of the marine ecosystem.
This study sets a baseline for the current level of pollution, which is very important for future research and actions that will be taken to help the environment and lessen the harmful effects of heavy metal pollution. The results can inform the rational planning of pollution control strategies and support efforts to restore and protect the health of Diva-Motagaon Creek. The results also show how important it is for scientists to keep an eye on things all the time to learn more about how heavy metal toxicity changes over time and how it affects marine and estuarine environments over time.
The increasing levels of toxic heavy metals in aquatic environments threaten ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) is used to look at heavy metal contamination in sediment samples from Diva-Motagaon Creek in Thane District, Mumbai. In 2023, samples were taken from four locations during four seasons: pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon, and summer. The goal was to see how the concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) changed with the seasons.
Results revealed significant seasonal and spatial variations, with zinc being the most abundant metal, followed by iron, copper, lead, and chromium. High metal levels, especially during and after the monsoon season, are a sign of pollution from factories, urban runoff, and human activities like immersing Ganapati idols. While zinc is essential in trace amounts, its high concentrations, along with toxic levels of lead, copper, and chromium, pose ecological risks through bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms.
These findings highlight the urgent need for pollution control measures, including industrial regulation, improved waste management, and continuous environmental monitoring. Given the creek’s significance to local fisheries, mitigating heavy metal contamination is crucial for preserving marine ecosystems and safeguarding livelihoods. This study establishes a baseline for future research and policy interventions to restore and protect Diva-Motagaon Creek.