Integrated assessment of heavy metal contamination in sandy shore sediment along Saurashtra Coast, Western India: Insights from field observations and global comparisons

An assessment of heavy metal pollution in coastal sediments throughout the Saurashtra coast, Western India, was carried out. Sediment samples were collected from twenty-one sandy intertidal locations (Okha, Shivrajpur, Dwarka, Okha Madhi, Harshad Beach, Kuchhdi, Porbandar, Purani Haveli, Madhavpur, Mangrol, Chorwad, Adri, Veraval, Somnath, Sutrapada S1, and S2, Dhamlej, Kodinar, Vanakbara, Diu, Ghoghla), representing varying degrees of anthropogenic influence. Sediment samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and pollution was evaluated by indices such as Contamination Factor (CF), Geo-accumulation Index (I geo ), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Modified degree of Contamination (mC d ) and Ecological risk index (RI). The results show the presence of 10 heavy metals with concentration levels in the order of, As > Cu > V > Zn > Cr > Ni > Co > Pb > Cd > Hg. The results of all the pollution indicators revealed negligible to very low level of contamination in the studied region. Multivariate statistical studies further elucidate the source and transit mechanisms of these metals in the coastal sediments, showing the role of natural and local variables. In addition, a global comparison of sandy beach sediments from worldwide research was done to provide a wider environmental context for the reported quantities. The present study in general provides baseline data on the heavy metal concentrations throughout the Saurashtra coast, which may be used as a reference for future monitoring and help in the formulation of successful coastal pollution control plans.