Assessment of Geochemical Environment from Study of River Sediments in the Middle Stretch of River Ganga at Ghazipur, Buxar and Ballia area

摘要: In order to investigate geochemical environment of the river Ganga, freshly deposited sediment samples were collected from Ghazipur, Buxar and Ballia urban centers in pre-monsoon period (May, 2010). The receives industrial as well domestic wastes various drains above mentioned cities. River Ganga has been one major recipients effluents India. present study assesses current status distribution concentration seven heavy metals (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd Pb) at three centers. total trace metal content analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer obtained values compared with different standard values. concentrations recorded following ranges (mg/kg) Cr (113–230), Co (11–29), Ni (32–75), Cu (39–73), Zn (72–140), (0.45–0.95) Pb (15–27). Results show that mean Cr, Cd, all exceeded average worldwide shale concentration. However was lower than it. Metal enrichment factor (EFc) for sampling stations between 0 3. maximum EFc 1.82 1.18 0.87 1.33 1.15 2.43 1.05 Pb. exceptionally high value stations. High indicates large amount pollutants are added through anthropogenic sources. percentage lithogenic highest addition into stream it is followed Co. Geoaccumulation indices showed uncontaminated moderately contaminated may adversely affect fresh water ecology river. Toxicity reference bed toxic benthos organisms most undertaken metals. data generated provide useful information Governmental agencies control pollution these which even be worst increasing population load basin.