Citation :

Mohamed Kalith Oli .M, Dr. K. Prabakaran, 2024. "Review on the Occurrence, Spatial Distribution, and Ecological Impact of Heavy Metals in Rivers of Tamilnadu, India" ESP International Journal of Advancements in Science & Technology (ESP-IJAST)  Volume 2, Issue 1: 12-21.

Abstract :

One "pillar" of sustainable development is the recognition of the significance of a clean environment. On the other hand, the environmental release of heavy metals poses a severe global health risk and is often dangerous. In Tamil Nadu, heavy metal monitoring data is inadequate for aquatic ecosystems. Here, we reviewed research on the concentrations of heavy metals in freshwaters. Research indicates that increased concentrations of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystem sediments tend to increase their abundance, which can then enter the food chain through processes known as bioaccumulation. Increased use of rivers by humans, such as Thamirabarani in Thirunelveli and Kaveri in Trichy. Tamil Nadu further complicates this picture by offering constantly-changing causes for heavy metal contamination through industry, tourism, aquaculture, and recreation. After accounting for every heavy metal that was tested, it was found that localized anthropogenic activities were associated with rising levels of heavy metals like zinc, copper, and leads in rivers. The majority of the time, heavy metal concentrations in sediments and aquatic biota exceeded permitted limits, as determined by sediment guidelines and assessments of the risks to human health. This review, which is extremely important for the environment's health and the economy, calls for more monitoring studies on the levels of heavy metals in organisms and inland urban rivers to find the sources of pollution and implement better control measures with the local government enforcing strict policies to reduce pollution.The water quality of the Tamirabari River system from south India, a crucial source of water for drinking and domestic purposes, industrial usage, and irrigation, was assessed here. Variations in levels of toxic heavy metals in the river system during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown might potentially assist in development of a public health risk mitigation system associated with the water consumption. An analysis of the toxic metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb) in comparison to the pre-lockdown period suggests a 20% decrease in the contamination ratio during the lockdown period. Through ingestion and dermal absorption exposures, the health risk assessment models (HQ, HI, and TCR) highlighted carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards for both children and adults. During the lockdown, the HI values for as and CR both beyond the permitted limit (>1), however the possible harm to adults and children was still minimal as compared to the pre-lockdown period. According to our findings, the Thamirabarani River system remained hazardous to human health even during the lockdown, necessitating routine monitoring by a volunteer water quality committee that includes both the public and private sectors.

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Keywords :

Rivers, Environments, Biota, Heavy Metals, Thamirabarani, Cauvery, Thirunelveli, Trichy.