12-14 September, 2011, Lucknow - Earth Science India

National Conference on Science of Climate Change and Earth’s Sustainability: Issues and Challenges ‘A Scientist-People Partnership’
12-14 September, 2011, Lucknow
GEOCHEMICAL STUDY OF FE-NUTRIENT-PIGMENT
VARIABILITY IN CORE SEDIMENTS OF COCHIN
ESTUARINE SYSTEM (CES)
Akhil P. Soman, Manju P. Nair and Sujatha C.H. *
Department of Chemical Oceanography, CUSAT. Kochi-16, Kerala
*email: drchsujatha@yahoo.co.in
Geochemistry, the vital aspect determining the chemical composition is a reliable
tool for predicting the climatic condition residing in an ecosystem. Hydrosphere
requires a special orientation since complex reactions occur both in the flora and fauna
and well regulated by human interventions. Coastlines, estuaries and inland waters are
the prone and peak areas vulnerable for variation beneath the vibrant system of
hydrosphere. Rapid Urbanization and subsequent Industrialization had resulted in
generating an enormous amount of pollutants into these fragile systems. Geochemical
studies of surficial sediment as well as sediment cores are helpful in the evaluation of
environmental composition. Sediment cores are the crucial data source for providing
information on sea bed character, depositional history and environmental change. Deep
sea sediment is inimitable and closely associated with the geochemical history of the
earth. Cochin Estuarine System, where multifaceted activities are foregoing is an
imperative place to cram. This Estuary stands versatile since various physical, chemical
and biological activities reach its climax. Many studies relating to diverse types of
actions occurring in the estuary had become a subject of study. The topography of this
estuary is typical and primitive. In this context sediment geochemistry plays a critical
role in instigating and unraveling the benchmark of sediment characterization.
The present study comprises three characteristic zones which are distinguished on
the basis of salinity and core sediments were collected from riverine, coastal and estuary
region of CES. The core sediments were sliced into 3cm intervals, tightly packed and
stored at 4°C until analysis. Nutrients, chlorophyll, Textural characteristics,
quantification of organic matter (Total Organic Matter, Protein, Lipid, Carbohydrate,
Tannin and Lignin) and Iron were estimated. Protein to carbohydrate ratio and lipid to
carbohydrate ratio were encountered to understand the respective freshness and
nutritional quality of the sediments. In addition to core sediments, surface and bottom
water were sampled for nutrient and pigment analysis. These results served as a
rejuvenating tool for the prediction of status of sediment cores prevailing in the Cochin
estuarine System.
128