Heavy Metals in Vasai Creek, Mumbai: Applied Monitoring and Impact Assessment

The present study deals with the assessment of toxic heavy metals in water of Vasai Creek of Mumbai. The study was carried for the assessment years 2009-10 and 2010-11 at four different sampling stations. The heavy metals studied were Al, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sr and Mn. It was observed that the concentration level of the various toxic heavy metals for the year 2010-11 was higher than that obtained during the year 2009-10 by a factor of 1.1 to 1.5 μg/L. The environmental impact of these toxic heavy metals is discussed. The results of the present investigation point out the need to implement adequate environmental control and management programmes so as to minimise the toxicity effects of the heavy metals on marine life.