Heavy metals distribution in the sediments of ganges and Brahmaputra rivers |
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| Authors: | V Subramanian R Van Grieken L Van't Dack |
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| Institution: | (1) School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, 110067 New Delhi, India;(2) Department of Chemistry, University of Antwep (UIA), B-2610 Antwep, Wilrijk, Belgium |
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| Abstract: | Bed sediments were collected from the entire region of the Ganges basin and some parts of the Brahmaputra. In addition, selected
stations were sampled for suspended sediments as well. The samples were analysed for a number of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Ni,
Cr, Cu, and Zn) by the thin-film energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. There are pronounced temporal and spatial
variations in the heavy metals distributions. Suspended sediments are 5–10 times richer than the bed sediments. None of the
tributaries contribute significant heavy metal load, but around urban areas in Yamuna (tributary of Ganges), very high levels
due to the distribution from the drainage network are observed. Compared to the Brahmaputra, the distribution and fractionation
of heavy metals in the Ganges sediments are more erratic and highly variable. All the metals considered show high correlation
among themselves. Given the high flux of suspended sediments from the Himalayan rivers (nearly 20% of the global flux), the
worldwide budget for heavy metal transport may need to be suitably revised. |
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