IMPACT OF LOCKDOWN RESTRICTION OF COVID-19 ON SELECTIVE DISSOLVED HEAVY METALS IN COASTAL WEST BENGAL

Abstract

In this study, the effect of COVID-19 lockdown (2020) on dissolved heavy metal load (Zn, Cu, and Pb) in the coastal West Bengal were analyzed concerning the pre-COVID 19 phases (2016-2019). Two stations namely Shankarpur (Stn.1) and Haldia (Stn. 2) were selected for the study as both have two contrasting operational features. Haldia is an important port-cum-industrial complex whereas Shankarpur is an important fish landing station-cum-tourism site. The results showed that in both the stations there was a drastic fall in the metal concentrations due to lockdown implementation, but in Haldia, the aquatic health exhibits much improvement as in lockdown there was complete shut-down of the industries. ANOVA results also highlight significant variations between the two stations as well as between the pre COVID-19 (2016-2019) and COVID-19 lockdown phases.