Trace Metals in a Tropical Mangrove Wetland : Chemical Speciation, Ecotoxicological Relevance and Remedial Measures

This book offers a comprehensive and accessible guide covering various aspects of trace metal contamination in abiotic and biotic matrices of an iconic Indian tropical mangrove wetland – Sundarban. Divided into nine chapters, the book begins by discussing the fundamental concepts of sources, accumulation rate and significance of trace metal speciation, along with the impact of multiple stressors on trace metal accumulation, taking into account both tourist activities and the exacerbating role of climate change. The second chapter presents a detailed account of the sampling strategy and preservation of research samples, followed by exhaustive information on sediment quality assessment and ecological risk, instrumental techniques in environmental chemical analyses, quality assurance and quality control, along with the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs). Using raw data, the sediment quality assessment indices (e.g., pollution load index, index of geoaccumulation, Nemerow Pollution Load Index etc.) and conventional statistical analyses are worked out and interpreted precisely, allowing students to readily evaluate and interpret them. This is followed by chapters devoted to trace metal accumulation in sediments and benthic organisms, as well as acid-leachable and geochemical fractionation of trace metals in sediments. The book then focuses on chemical speciation of butylin and arsenic in sediments as well as macrozoobenthos (polychaetous annelids). Finally, potential positive role of the dominant mangrove Avicennia in sequestering trace metals from rhizosediments of Sundarban Wetland is elaborately discussed. This timely reference book provides a versatile and in-depth account for understanding the emerging problems of trace metal contamination – issues that are relevant for many countries around the globe. Front Matter ....Pages i-xix Introduction (Santosh Kumar Sarkar)....Pages 1-25 Materials and Methods (Santosh Kumar Sarkar)....Pages 27-78 Trace Element Contamination in Surface Sediment of Sundarban Wetland (Santosh Kumar Sarkar)....Pages 79-100 Total and Acid-Leachable Trace Metals in Surface Sediment of Sundarban Wetland and Adjacent Hooghly River Estuary (Santosh Kumar Sarkar)....Pages 101-124 Bioaccumulation of Trace Metals in Macrozoobenthos of Sundarban Wetland (Santosh Kumar Sarkar)....Pages 125-144 Geochemical Speciation and Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Sediments of Sundarban Wetland (Santosh Kumar Sarkar)....Pages 145-172 Organotin Compounds in Surface Sediments of Sundarban Wetland and Adjacent Coastal Regions (Santosh Kumar Sarkar)....Pages 173-187 Arsenic Speciation in Sediments and Representative Biota of Sundarban Wetland (Santosh Kumar Sarkar)....Pages 189-208 Phytoremediation of Trace Metals by Mangrove Plants of Sundarban Wetland (Santosh Kumar Sarkar)....Pages 209-247