Assessment of seasonal fluctuation in heavy metal contamination in sediments and surface water of Narmada River, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the seasonal fluctuation of heavy metal contamination in the sediments and surface water of the Narmada River. In this context, samples were gathered from six stations along the river in 2021–2022 and their concentrations were determined by utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results in sediments, the average concentrations of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 0.05, 1.03, 2.47, 1.64, 750.17, 17.75, 0.54, 0.13, and 1.12 mg/kg and in water, the average concentrations of Co, Fe, Ni, and Zn were 0.03 μg/l, 0.01 mg/l, 0.08 μg/l, and 0.39 μg/l. Seasonal fluctuation in sediments revealed that concentration of metals As, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn peaked during the rainy climate, while Co and Cr peaked during the post-monsoon and Mn and Pb peaked during the summer climate. Seasonal fluctuation in water, Co, Ni, and Zn exhibits their highest concentrations during the post-monsoon. The finding of pollution indices revealed that the contamination level was low to moderate. Cluster analysis revealed anthropogenic and agricultural runoff water as a contributor to contamination. The findings of this research enhance comprehension of heavy metal contamination in sediment and water of the Narmada River.