Bioavailability and risk assessment of trace metals in sediments of a high-altitude eutrophic lake, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India

Ooty lake, in the southern part of India, has raised huge concern about the role of metals in a lake due to increasing anthropogenic activities. Present study is aimed at understanding fate of trace metals in a lake's sediment. Sixteen sediment samples collected from bottom of the lake at various locations during March 2017 were analysed for trace metals cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel and zinc. Fe and Mn dominate total metal concentration followed by Ni and Cr. A high concentration of Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn in residual fraction indicates weathering as the source for these metals. A significant concentration of metals in exchangeable, reducible and oxidisable fraction indicates adsorbtion/chelation of these metals with oxides and organic matter due to change in oxic state. Geo-accumulation index for metals show unpolluted to moderate nature of sediments at all sampling locations. Moderate to significant enrichment factor of Cr, Ni and Zn indicates influence of anthropogenic sources. Co, Pb and Zn show a high amount of bioavailability for aquatic life. Other metals (Cr, Ni, Fe and Mn) show scarce to moderate bioavailability. On the other hand, a global contamination factor denotes moderate to high metal contamination of sediments in the entire lake. Statistical analysis of metals shows good inter-element correlation among metals Fe, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu and Zn indicating natural source. Influence of domestic sewage and recreational activities as the main/additional source is revealed by negative loading of Pb and Zn in principal component analysis. The present study, in essence, has identified rock weathering, as a major source of trace meals in the sediments of Ooty lake entering through stream and surface runoff from an adjacent forest area. The study has also identified high bioavailability of Pb and Zn, which is derived through the recreational activities (boating) causing permanent adverse impact.

Automated summary

This study identifies rock weathering as a major source of trace metals in the sediment of Ooty lake, with good inter-element correlation among metals indicating a natural source. Enrichment factors show the influence of anthropogenic sources on Cr, Ni and Zn. Metals with high bioavailability include Co, Pb and Zn, while other metals such as Cr, Ni, Fe and Mn have lower bioavailability. The global contamination factor demonstrates moderate to high metal contamination of sediments in the entire lake.