Evaluation of heavy metals in sediment, water and Macrophyte (Eicchornea crassipes) of Yamuna River at Delhi

Abstract

To examine the degree of contamination in Yamuna River at Delhi, eight heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu, Cr and Zn) were assessed in soil, water and macrophyte (Eicchornea Crassipes). Heavy metals are one among the toxic chemicals and accumulation in sediments and plants has been posing serious health impacts. The occurrence heavy metals in water were found in the order: Cr> Zn> Pb> Cu> Cd> Hg. In sediment order was: Cr ˃ Zn ˃ Pb ˃ Cu ˃ Cd ˃ Hg and in macrophyte (Eicchornea Crassipes) in order: Zn ˃ Pb ˃ Cr ˃ Cu ˃ Cd ˃ Hg. The analyses of macrophytes and sediment samples help in evaluating pollution status in aquatic environment. Heavy metals in water was found above the recommended level set by WHO for drinking.