Assessment of heavy metal enrichment and contamination in the wetlands of Kannur district, Kerala

The present investigation is an attempt to trace the heavy metal enrichment in the soil matrix of the wetlands Kannur district, Kerala. Wetland is an ecosystem which plays significant role in ecological balance. Characteristic vegetation of aquatic plants makes this distinct ecosystem as unique and distinguishable from other land forms and water bodies. The hydric soil prevailing in the wetlands is rich in organic matter content and also enriched with many heavy metals. In view of this, the enrichment of some major heavy metals such as Co, Fe, Mg, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, and As have been quantified in the soil samples collected from the wetlands of southern part of Kerala using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer. The adverse effect of this enrichment on human and environment is of serious concern and hence various pollution index parameters were calculated to assess the extent of contamination. The spatial distribution study confirms the dependence of geological factors on the enrichment of heavy metals. The study on various pollution index parameters reveals the selective enrichment of heavy metals. The continuous monitoring of wetlands is the need of the time as such areas are preserved for the cultivation of aquatic plants. The results of the investigation are presented and discussed in detail in the manuscript.