Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around Balanagar industrial area,Hyderabad, India

The concentration of heavy metals such as Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn, Zr were studied in soils of Balanagar industrial area, Hyderabad to understand heavy metal contamination due to industrialization and urbanization. This area is affected by the industrial activities like steel, petrochemicals, automobiles, refineries, and battery manufacturing generating hazardous wastes. The assessment of the contamination of the soils was based on the geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor, and degree of contamination. Soil samples were collected from Balanagar industrial area from top 10–50 cm layer of soil. The samples were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for heavy metals. The data revealed that the soils in the study area are significantly contaminated, showing high level of toxic elements than normal distribution. The ranges of concentration of Cr (82.2–2,264 mg/kg), Cu (31.3–1,040 mg/kg), Ni (34.3–289.4 mg/kg), Pb (57.5–1,274 mg/kg), Zn (67.5–5819.5 mg/kg), Co (8.6–54.8 mg/kg), and V (66.6–297 mg/kg). The concentration of above-mentioned other elements was similar to the levels in the earth’s crust pointed to metal depletion in the soil as the EF was <1. Some heavy metals showed high EF in the soil samples indicating that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be correlated with the industries in the area. A contamination site poses significant environmental hazards for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are important sources of pollution and may results in ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems.     

Groundwater contamination in parts of Nalgonda district,Telangana, India as revealed by trace elemental studies

The present paper deals with major and trace elements geochemistry of the groundwater from Nalgonda district, Telangana. The study area is very important in terms of anthropogenic activity like rapid industrial, urban development, pesticides, pharmaceutical, granite polishing and agro based industries. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS) was employed to determine the concentration of trace elements in collected groundwater samples (bore well). These probe elements were further categorized as toxic elements (Pb, As, Cd, and V), alkaline earths (Sr and Ba), alkali metals (Li, Rb), transition metals (Cr, Mo and Ni), metallic elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, Al, Co), and other non-metallic elements (Se and Si). The groundwater quality was examined in perspective of Indian as well as World Health Organization drinking water standards. Based on the analytical results, groundwater in the study area is found to be slightly alkaline in nature and very hard, the average abundance of the major cations and anions is in the order of Ca⁺<Na⁺<Mg⁺<K⁺ and Cl^-<HCO₃ ^?<CO₃ ^?<SO₄ ^?<NO₃ ^?<F^– respectively. The dominant hydro chemical facies of groundwater is Na⁺ - HCO ₃ ^– – Cl^– and Na⁺ - Cl^– – HCO^– ₃ types.The results of trace elements shows that concentration of Pb, As, Cd, V in collected samples exceeding the desirable limits, and in the case of alkaline, alkali, transition, non-metallic elements, seventy per cent of the samples crossed the desirable limits, but all metallic elements viz. Cu, Fe, Zn, Al, Co is within the limits as per Indian as well as World Health Organizations drinking water standards. Factor analysis results shows that seven factors emerged as a significant contributor to the groundwater contamination is about 65.32 per cent. The spatial variation maps decipher trace elemental concentrations both geogenic and anthropogenic origin, by three zones i.e. ‘low’, ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ of the study area based on environment using Arc-GIS. High concentrations of trace elements are indicative of phenomenal rise in chemical composition and likely to have its origin from silicate weathering reactions and dissolution/precipitation processes supported by rainfall and anthropogenic activities, indiscriminate use of fertilizers/pesticides, and disposal of waste and sewage, release of reactive pollutants into the atmosphere by industries. Hence, this work is of immense societal benefit in terms of prevailing human health hazards in the study area with a direct relevance to such industrially populated regions elsewhere.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around Manali industrial area, Chennai, Southern India

The concentrations of heavy metals (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mo, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) were studied in soils to understand metal contamination due to industrialization and urbanization around Manali industrial area in Chennai, Southern India. This area is affected by the industrial activity and saturated by industries like petrochemicals, refineries, and fertilizers generating hazardous wastes. The contamination of the soils was assessed on the basis of geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor and degree of contamination. Soil samples were collected from the industrial area of Manali from the top 10-cm-layer of the soil. Soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals by using Philips MagiX PRO-2440 Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The data revealed elevated concentrations of Chromium (149.8–418.0 mg/kg), Copper (22.4–372.0 mg/kg), Nickel (11.8–78.8 mg/kg), Zinc (63.5–213.6 mg/kg) and Molybdenum (2.3–15.3 mg/kg). The concentrations of other elements were similar to the levels in the earth’s crust or pointed to metal depletion in the soil (EF < 1). The high-EFs for some heavy metals obtained in the soil samples show that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be correlated with the industries in the area. Contamination sites pose significant environmental hazards for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are important sources of pollution and may result in ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems. In this perspective there is need for a safe dumping of waste disposal in order to minimize environmental pollution.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around chromite mining areas, Nuggihalli, Karnataka, India

Toxic heavy metals represent one of the possible environmental hazards from mine lands, which affect many countries having historic mining industries. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the degree of soil pollution occurring near chromite mines, and make a systematic evaluation of soil contamination based on geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor and pollution index. This paper presents the pollution load of toxic heavy metals (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn and Zr) in 57 soil samples collected around three different active (Tagdur), abandoned (Jambur) chromite mining sites as well residential zone around Chikkondanahalli of the Nuggihalli Schist Belt, Karnataka, India. Soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals by using Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Results indicated that elevated concentrations of Cr, Ni and Co in soils of the study area exceed the Soil Quality Guideline limits (SQGL). The high enrichment factor for Cr, Ni Co obtained in the soil samples show that there is a steady increase of toxic heavy metals risk in this area, which could be correlated with the past mining activity and post abandoned mining in the area. The data was also treated to study the geoaccumulation index, pollution index and spatial distribution of toxic elements. Emphasis need to be put on control measures of pollution and remediation techniques in the study area.     

Hydrogeochemical characteristics of surface water (SW) and groundwater (GW) of the Chinnaeru River basin,northern part of Nalgonda District,Andhra Pradesh,India

Groundwater and surface water samples from 47 locations (28 groundwater, 10 tanks and 9 stream channel) were collected during the pre-monsoon (May–June) and post-monsoon season (November) from Chinnaeru River basin. Chinnaeru River basin is situated 30 km east of Hyderabad City and its area covers 250 km² and falls in the Survey of India Toposheet No. 56 K/15. The extensive agricultural, industrial and urbanization activities resulted in the contamination of the aquifer. To study the contamination of groundwater, water samples were collected from an area and analyzed for major cations and anions. Various widely accepted methods such as salinity, sodium absorption ratio, Kelly’s ratio, residual sodium carbonate, soluble sodium percentage, permeability index and water quality index are used to classify groundwater and surface water (tank and stream) for drinking as well as irrigation purposes. Besides this, Piper trilinear diagram, Wilcox diagram, Doneen’s classification and Gibb’s plot were studied for geochemical controls, and hydrogeochemistry of groundwater and surface water samples were studied.     

Fluorine distribution in waters of Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Geochemical and hydrochemical studies were conducted in Nalgonda District (A.P.), to explore the causes of high fluorine in waters, causing a widespread incidence of fluorosis in the local population. Samples of granitic rocks, soils, stream sediments, and waters were analyzed for F and other salient chemical parameters. Samples from the area of Hyderabad city were analyzed for comparison. The F content of waters in areas with endemic fluorosis ranges from 0.4 to 20 mg/l. The low calcium content of rocks and soils, and the presence of high levels of sodium bicarbonate in soils and waters are important factors favoring high levels of F in waters.     

Deciphering heavy metal contamination zones in parts of Nalgonda District,Telangana

The study area is very important in terms of anthropogenic activity like rapid industrial, urban development, pesticides, pharmacy, granite polishing and agro based industries. Soils represent an excellent media to monitor heavy metal pollution. The results of soil samples analyzed in the present work using XRF reveal anomalous heavy metal and major oxide concentrations. The geogenic and anthropogenic activities for a long period in the study area are responsible for the anomalous heavy metal pollutants. Hence, this work is of immense societal benefit in terms of prevailing human health hazards in the study area with a direct relevance to such industrially populated regions elsewhere. Soil samples collected from study area were analyzed for heavy metals (As, Ba, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Mo, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn and Zr and major oxides (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na₂O, K₂O, TiO₂, and P₂O₅ ) using Philips PW 2440 X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF). The minimum 0.08 for molybdenum and maximum 21.99 enrichment factor for arsenic is observed. The minimum -2.5 and maximum 17.97 geoaccumulation index values is observed for barium and molybdenum. The minimum 0.07 and maximum 4.3 contamination factors is observed for molybdenum and lead. High contamination degree 19.21 for SMP-1 and least 7.8 for SMP-12 is observed. The minimum 0.41 and maximum 0.95 pollution load index is observed for SMP-12 and SMP-20. Factor analysis results shows that, three factors emerged as significant contributors to the soil quality is about seventy six percent for heavy metals and sixty eight percent for major oxides. The spatial variation maps deciphering heavy metal concentration of both natural and anthropogenic origin by three zones i.e. low, moderate and high of the study area based on environment using Arc-GIS.     

Spatial variability of fluorine in agricultural soils around Sidhi District,Central India

The systematic and comprehensive geochemical analysis of fluoride (F) in twenty agricultural soil samples was carried out to understand spatial variability, mechanism of retention and release, and the areas of potential risk due to high concentrations of F in soil around Sidhi District, Central India. The spatial variations in physico-chemical parameters revealed significant difference in the methods of cultivation due to geomorphological constraints, availability of surface water and ground water etc., in the study area. The north and small pocket in central Sidhi were rich in fertile soils due to availability of surface and ground water. The southern and eastern Sidhi were rainfed areas, hence, the monocropping system by traditional methods showed less impact on the soil physico-chemical parameters. The soil F varied from 366.94 to 1178 mg/kg and 2-4 times greater than the background soil value (320 mg/kg) of the world. The pollution indexes were > 1 indicating prevalence of elevated soil fluorine.     

Ecological consideration of trace element contamination in sediment cores from Sundarban wetland,India

This article reports on the concentration of selected trace elements (Mn, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ba, As, B, V, and Hg) and major elements (Fe and Al) from the intertidal sediment cores from Sundarban wetland, India. This is a typical meso-macrotidal estuarine area affected by domestic and industrial activities located upstream. The overall concentrations range is low to moderate, indicating the environmental conditions in the outfall zone (grain size, hydrodynamic regime, and confinement), which favors the in situ accumulation of pollutants. The extent of contamination from trace elements in Sundarban core sediments is evaluated through a two-pronged approach: (i) by determining the metal enrichment in the sediments through the calculation of Pollution Load Index (PLI), Enrichment Factor (EF) and Index of Geoaccumulation (I _geo), and (ii) by defining a potential level of biological risk by the use of quality criteria such as Threshold Effect Level (TEL) and Effects Range-Low (ERL) benchmarks. On the basis of the calculated indices, sediments are particularly enriched with Cr, Cu, B, V, and As. Those enrichments seem to be due to the fine granulometry of the regions with Fe and Mn oxi-hydroxides being the main metal carriers. Trace Elements input to the Sundarban wetland need to be kept under strict control in future specially with reference to As since, according to TEL and ERL benchmarks, it already appears to be associated with a potential biological risk.     

Fluoride dynamics in the granitic aquifer of the Wailapally watershed,Nalgonda District,India

High concentrations of fluoride (up to 7.6 mg/L) are a recognized feature of the Wailapally granitic aquifer of Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh, India. The basement rocks provide abundant sources of F in the form of amphibole, biotite, fluorite and apatite. The whole-rock concentrations of F in the aquifer are in the range 240–990 mg/kg. Calcretes from the shallow weathered horizons also contain comparably high concentrations of F (635–950 mg/kg). The concentrations of water-soluble F in the granitic rocks and the calcretes are usually low (1% of the total or less) but broadly correlate with the concentrations observed in groundwaters in the local vicinity. The water-soluble fraction of fluoride is relatively high in weathered calcretes compared to fresh calcretes.Groundwater major-ion composition shows a well-defined trend with flow downgradient in the Wailapally aquifer, from Na–Ca–HCO₃-dominated waters in the recharge area at the upper part of the catchment, through to Na–Mg–HCO₃ and ultimately to Na–HCO₃ and Na–HCO₃–Cl types in the discharge area in the lowest part. The evolution occurs over a reach spanning some 17 km. Groundwater chemistry evolves by silicate weathering reactions, although groundwaters rapidly reach equilibrium with carbonate minerals, favouring precipitation of calcite, and ultimately dolomite in the lower parts of the watershed. This precipitation is also aided by evapotranspiration. Decreasing Ca activity downgradient leads to a dominance of fluorite-undersaturated conditions and consequently to mobilisation of F. Despite the clear downgradient evolution of major-ion chemistry, concentrations of F remain relatively uniform in the fluorite-undersaturated groundwaters, most being in the range 3.0–7.6 mg/L. The rather narrow range is attributed to a mechanism of co-precipitation with and/or adsorption to calcrete in the lower sections of the aquifer. The model may find application in other high-F groundwaters from granitic aquifers of semi-arid regions.     

Assessment of trace metals contamination in stream sediments and soils in Abuja leather mining,southwestern Nigeria

This study is aimed at determining the level of environmental degradation as well as the concentration of trace elements in soil and stream sediments in order to evaluate the environmental impact of the mining operation. Twenty-five (25) soils and ten (10) stream sediment samples were collected from the study area. The physicochemical parameters were determined using appropriate instrumentation with the aid of a digital pH meter (Milwaukee meter) to measure the pH and electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, moisture content and loss on ignition of the soil and stream sediment samples. The pH of the soil sample ranged from (6.10 to 7.19); Electrical conductivity ranged from (21.3 to 279.4 µS/cm), moisture content varied from (0.60% to 7.20%), and the LOI ranged from (2.03% to 18.62%). The results of the analysis showed that the concentrations of the trace elements in the soils and stream sediment samples were slightly higher than the background values. Plots of the trace elements in stream sediment samples show moderate, consistent decrease downstream except at points where there was mine water discharge into the main river. The pollution levels of heavy metals were examined in stream sediment and soil samples using different assessable indices, such as the enrichment factor, which showed significant-moderate enrichment for Cr, Th, Nb, Zn, Pb, Y and Zr and the geo-accumulation index, which showed practically moderate contamination with Cr, Ni and Sr based on regional background reference values. Geo-accumulation index and contamination index for soils and stream sediment revealed uncontaminated to moderate contamination. Likewise, elements with moderate contamination were Cr, Ni and Sr. The Pearson correlation showed that there were significant positive associations among selected metals in soil and stream sediment samples.     

Hydrogeochemistry and microbial contamination of groundwater from Lower Ponnaiyar Basin, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Groundwater is the major source of fresh water in regions where there is inadequate surface water resources. Forty-seven groundwater samples were collected from Lower Ponnaiyar basin, Cuddalore District, south India, during the premonsoon (PRM) and postmonsoon (POM) seasons of 2005. Out of 47 groundwater samples, 15 samples showing higher nitrate concentration were those collected during PRM 2005. Microbial analysis of these samples was carried out by employing 16S rRNA gene sequence tool. Detailed analysis was conducted to determine the hydrogeochemical processes and microbial contamination responsible for deterioration of quality. The abundance of the ions during PRM and POM are in the following order: Na?>?Ca?>?Mg?>?K?=?Cl?>?HCO₃?>?SO₄?>?CO₃. The dominant water types in PRM are in the order of NaCl?>?CaMgCl?>?mixed CaNaHCO₃, whereas during POM NaCl?>?CaMgCl?>?mixed CaNaHCO₃, and CaHCO₃. However, NaCl and CaMgCl are major water types in the study area. The quality of groundwater in the study area is mainly impaired by surface contamination sources, mineral dissolution, ion exchange and evaporation. Groundwater chemistry was used to assess quality to ensure its suitability for drinking and irrigation, based on BIS and WHO standards. Suitability for irrigation was determined on the basis of the diagram of US Salinity Laboratory (USSL), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and Na%. According to SAR and USSL classification, 27.66% (PRM) and 40.43% (POM) of samples fall under C3S2 category, indicating high salinity and medium sodium hazard, which restrict its suitability for irrigation. Microbiological analysis and its effects on the water quality were also addressed. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of 11 bacterial contaminants exhibited five groups with 11 operational taxonomic units with aerobic and facultatively anaerobic organisms. The presence of aerobic organisms in the groundwater samples reflects the active conversion of ammonia to nitrite by Nitrosomonas sp. which is further converted to nitrates by other organisms. Further the presence of nitrate reducers could also play a role in the process of conversion of nitrate to ammonia and nitrate to molecular nitrogen.     

Hydrochemistry of groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW) for assessment of fluoride in Chinnaeru river basin,Nalgonda district, (AP) India

Hydrochemical studies were conducted in Chinnaeru river basin of Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India, to explore the causes of high fluorides in groundwater and surface water causing a widespread incidence of fluorosis in local population. The concentration of fluoride in groundwater ranges from 0.4 to 2.9 and 0.6 to 3.6 mg/l, stream water ranges from 0.9 to 3.5 and 1.4 to 3.2 mg/l, tank water ranges from 0.4 to 2.8 and 0.9 to 2.3 mg/l, for pre- and post-monsoon periods, respectively. The modified Piper diagram reflects that the water belongs to Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃ ^? to Na⁺–HCO₃ ^? facies. Negative chloroalkali indices in both the seasons prove that ion exchange between Na⁺ and K⁺ in aquatic solution took place with Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ of host rock. The interpretation of plots for different major ions and molar ratios suggest that weathering of silicate rocks and water–rock interaction is responsible for major ion chemistry of groundwater/surface water. High fluoride content in groundwater was attributed to continuous water–rock interaction during the process of percolation with fluorite bearing country rocks under arid, low precipitation, and high evaporation conditions. The low calcium content in rocks and soils, and the presence of high levels of sodium bicarbonate are important factors favouring high levels of fluoride in waters. The basement rocks provide abundant mineral sources of fluoride in the form of amphibole, biotite, fluorite, mica and apatite.     

Assessment of spatial variations in water quality of Garra River at Shahjahanpur,Ganga Basin,India

Arabian Journal of Geosciences - A comprehensive study on the chemical considerations of thermal waters (springs and geothermal wells) on the performance of solute geothermometers in predicting the...     

Assessment of nitrate contamination of Lidder catchment Kashmir, India

Nitrate contamination in the groundwater from various sources is one of the major problems of water resources in Liddercatchment, Kashmir. Systematic sampling was carried out during summer 2007, with a view to understand the source of nitrate ions in the groundwater of the Lidder catchment. Twelve sample sites were selected and samples were taken for a baseline study to understand the geochemistry of the groundwater and to assess the overall physico-chemical characteristics. Results showed that NO ₃ ^? concentration in ranged from 18.72?mg/L to 75.93?mg/L with an average of 47.03?mg/L. More than 80% (83.33%) of the samples collected from various sampling stations had nitrate concentrations exceeding the threshold value of 20?mg/L, and 58.33% of the samples collected had nitrate concentrations higher than 50?mg/L, the maximum acceptable nitrate concentration for drinking water. There is a wide spatial variation in the nitrate concentration in the groundwater. Monitoring the water quality of various sampling stations showed that the lowest concentrations of nitrate were found in the wet season (January, February, and December), while the highest concentrations were found in the dry season (August, September). Numerous human perturbations have been detected affecting the water quality of Lidder catchment. Disposal of sewage and animal wastes was found to contribute about 85% of total nitrate pollution in the study area. Based on the trend analysis (using previous data), future scenario of nitrate pollution has been predicted in the study area. The results of this study are useful to highlight one of the most important environmental problems, namely the degradation of the water quality, and may serve to alert and encourage local and national authorities to take substantial steps and actions to protect and manage water quality.     

Heavy metal contamination of soil around Pali Industrial Area,Rajasthan, India

Due to rapid industrialization, urbanization and intensive agriculture in India increasing contamination of heavy metals in soil has become a major concern. An environmental geochemical investigation was carried out in and around the Pali industrial development area of Rajasthan to determine the effect of contamination in the study area. Soil samples collected near the Pali industrial area were analyzed for Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Sr and V contents by using Philips PW 2440 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Samples were collected from the industrial area of Pali from the top 10 cm layer of the soil. Most of the samples were collected near small streams adjacent to industrial areas, and near Bandi River. Levels of the metals in soils around the industrial area were found to be significantly higher than their normal distribution in soil such as Pb – 293 mg/kg, Cr – 240 mg/kg, Cu – 298 mg/kg, Zn – 1,364 mg/kg, Sr – 2,694 mg/kg and V – 377 mg/kg. High concentration of these toxic elements in soil is responsible for the development of toxicity in agriculture products, which in turn affects human life. Distribution of metals, their contents at different locations, correlation of heavy metals in soil and their effect on human health are discussed in the paper.     

Accumulation of elements in plants and soils in and around Mangampeta and Vemula barite mining areas, Cuddapah District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Different plant organs and their corresponding substrate samples were collected from Mangampeta and Vemula barite mining areas of Cuddapah District, Andhra Pradesh. The presence of Indigofera cordifolia exclusively developed on mine dumps of the Vemula barite area and its significant absence away from the mining area shows its indicator characteristics for barium from the geobotanical point of view. Multi-element analysis of these samples was carried out and thebiological absorption coefficient (BAC) was calculated. The BAC is the ratio of the concentration of an element in plant ash to that of its substrate. The results show the presence and/or absence of certain elements in plants and soils, which can be explained on the basis of biogeochemical cycling of elements, exclusion mechanisms, and bioavailability. Further, Tridax procumbens (Li), I. cordifolia (Ba), Cassia angustifolia (Sr), and Kirganelia reticulata (Co) are identified as accumulator plants without considering their substrate concentration. Based on BAC, C. angustifolia (Sr) and Tephrosia purpurea (Zn) are determined to be accumulator plants. Such plant species may be useful in mineral exploration, and reclamation and revegetation of adversely affected mining environments.     

Assessment of groundwater quality in and around Vedaraniyam,South India

Groundwater from 47 wells were analyzed on the basis of hydrochemical parameters like pH, electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^?, CO₃ ^2?, HCO₃ ^?, NO₃ ^?, PO₄ ^3? and F^? in the Cauvery delta of Vedaraniyam coast. Further, water quality index (WQI), sodium percentage (Na %), sodium absorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, permeability index and Kelley’s ratio were evaluated to understand the suitability of water for drinking and irrigation purposes. The result shows significant difference in the quality of water along the coastal stretch. The order of dominance of major ions is as follows: Na⁺ ≥ Mg²⁺ ≥ Ca²⁺ ≥ K⁺ and Cl^? ≥ HCO₃ ^? ≥ CO₃ ^2? ≥ PO₄ ^3? ≥ F^?. Na/Cl, Cl/HCO₃ ratio and Revelle index confirmed that 60–70 % of the samples were affected by saline water intrusion. WQI showed that 36 % of the samples were good for drinking and the remaining were poor and unsuitable for drinking purpose. The degradation of groundwater quality was found to be mainly due to over-exploitation, brackish aquaculture practice, fertilizer input from agriculture and also due to domestic sewage.