Papers by Kamala Satpathy
CLEAN - Soil, Air, Water, 2016
The study first investigated the spatial distribution, diversity, and biomass of the planktonic c... more The study first investigated the spatial distribution, diversity, and biomass of the planktonic choreotrich ciliate tintinnids inhabiting the biosphere reserve, the core region of Indian Sundarban mangrove wetland. A total of 21 species (eight genera and six families) were recorded including agglomerated and non-agglomerated or hyaline forms from these intricate estuarine network systems. Maximum mean abundance (2747 ± 111 individuals L−1) and species diversity (H′ = 2.32) of tintinnid ciliate were recorded at the sampling site located towards the Bay of Bengal whereas lower abundance (666 ± 56 individuals L−1) and diversity (H′ = 1.55) were encountered towards inner part of the estuary. Tintinnopsis represented the most dominant agglutinated genus comprising of Tintinnopsis beroidea, Tintinnopsis fimbriata, Tintinnopsis cylindrica, Tintinnopsis tocantinensis, and Tintinnopsis radix, accounting ∼52% of total tintinnid community. The agglomerated forms Amphorellopsis tetragona, Eutintinnus apertus, Codonellopsis lusitanica, and T. fimbriata were recorded for the first time in this region. The biomass value exhibited wide range of variations (0.03 ± 0.09 to 12.4 ± 1.1 μg C L−1), accounting maximum value towards seaward region. The small-sized tintinnid (lorica length <40 μm) contributed the most dominant group (sharing ∼85% of total species abundance) in this core region and their presence was mainly governed by factors, namely, chlorophyll α, salinity, and nutrients (nitrate and silicate). The results of combining multivariate methods (RELATE and BIOENV analyses) reveal that chl a and nitrate were the potential significant factors for tintinnid abundance and distribution.
Water Environment Research
Formation character of brominated-trihalomethanes (BrTHMs) in chlorinated seawater and its depend... more Formation character of brominated-trihalomethanes (BrTHMs) in chlorinated seawater and its dependence on applied chlorine dose, reaction time, and temperature were investigated in the laboratory. Seawater was collected from the east coast of India and a chlorine dose of 1, 3, 5, and 10 ppm was each applied at a temperature of 20, 30, and 408Cto investigate the yield and kinetics of Br-THMs formation. Qualitative and quantitative estimation of THM formation at various intervals of time ranging from 5 min to 168 h was determined by a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Chlorine dose, chlorine contact time, and reaction temperature positively affected the load of THMs. The ratio of chlorine dose to halogen incorporation decreased from 12%to 5%with increasing applied chlorine dose from 1 to 10 ppm. Significant levels of THMs were found to be formed within 0.5 h of reaction, followed by a very slow rate of formation. Elevated temperature favored both in...
The study first investigated the spatial distribution, diversity, and biomass of the planktonic c... more The study first investigated the spatial distribution, diversity, and biomass of the planktonic choreotrich ciliate tintinnids inhabiting the biosphere reserve, the core region of Indian Sundarban mangrove wetland. A total of 21 species (eight genera and six families) were recorded including agglomerated and non-agglomerated or hyaline forms from these intricate estuarine network systems. Maximum mean abundance (2747 AE 111 individuals L À1) and species diversity (H 0 ¼ 2.32) of tintinnid ciliate were recorded at the sampling site located towards the Bay of Bengal whereas lower abundance (666 AE 56 individuals L À1) and diversity (H 0 ¼ 1.55) were encountered towards inner part of the estuary. Tintinnopsis represented the most dominant agglutinated genus comprising of Tintinnopsis beroidea, Tintinnopsis fimbriata, Tintinnopsis cylindrica, Tintinnopsis tocantinensis, and Tintinnopsis radix, accounting $52% of total tintinnid community. The agglomerated forms Amphorellopsis tetragona, Eutintinnus apertus, Codonellopsis lusitanica, and T. fimbriata were recorded for the first time in this region. The biomass value exhibited wide range of variations (0.03 AE 0.09 to 12.4 AE 1.1 mg C L À1), accounting maximum value towards seaward region. The small-sized tintinnid (lorica length <40 mm) contributed the most dominant group (sharing $85% of total species abundance) in this core region and their presence was mainly governed by factors, namely, chlorophyll a, salinity, and nutrients (nitrate and silicate). The results of combining multivariate methods (RELATE and BIOENV analyses) reveal that chl a and nitrate were the potential significant factors for tintinnid abundance and distribution.
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2016
The feasibility of a potential bioindicator based on functional groups of microzooplankton tintin... more The feasibility of a potential bioindicator based on functional groups of microzooplankton tintinnids for bioas-sessments of water quality status was studied during southwest monsoon (June to September) along the coastal waters of Kalpakkam, India during 2012–2015. The work highlights the following features (1) tintinnid community composed of 28 species belonging to 11 genera and 9 families, revealed significant differences among the four study sites (2) maximum numerical abundance (2224 ± 90 ind. l −1) and species diversity (H′ = 2.66) of tintinnid were recorded towards Bay of Bengal whereas minimum abundance (720 ± 35 ind. l −1) and diversity (H′ = 1.74) were encountered in the backwater sites, (3) multivariate analyses [RELATE, Biota-environment (BIOENV) and canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP)] reveal that chl a, nitrate and phosphate were the potential causative factors for tintinnid distribution. Based on the results, we suggest that tintinnids may be used as a potential bioindicator of water quality status in marine ecosystem.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2014
The study is the first documentation of seasonal variations in species composition, abundance and... more The study is the first documentation of seasonal variations in species composition, abundance and diversity of tintinnid (Ciliata: Protozoa), in relation to water quality parameters along the stretch of the Hooghly (Ganges) River Estuary (HRE), eastern coastal part of India. A total of 26 species (22 agglomerated and 4 non-agglomerated) belonging to 8 genera has been identified from 8 study sites where Tintinnopsis (17 species) represented the most dominant genera, contributing up to 65 % of total tintinnid community followed by Tintinnidium (2 species), Leprotintinnus (2 species) and Dadayiella, Favella, Metacylis, Eutintinnus and Helicostomella (each with solitary species). The maximum (1,666 ind.l −1 ) and minimum (62 ind.l −1 ) abundance of tintinnids was recorded during post-monsoon and monsoon, respectively. A distinct seasonal dynamics in terms of biomass (0.005-2.465 μg C l −1 ) and daily production rate (0.04-3.13 μg C l −1 day −1 ) was also noticed, accounting highest value during pre-monsoon. Chlorophyll a and nitrate were found to be potential causative factors for the seasonal variations of tintinnids as revealed by a stepwise multiple regression model. The result of ANOVA showed a significant variation between species abundance and months (F=2.36, P ≤0.05). k-dominance curves were plotted to determine the comparison of tintinnid dominance between the investigated stations. Based on a principal component analysis (PCA), three main groups were delineated with tintinnid ciliates and environmental parameters. The changes in lorica morphology in terms of temperature and salinity, recorded for three dominant species, provided information on the ecological characteristics of the species assemblage in this estuarine system.
The general concern for arsenic in the marine environment is associated with its wide distributio... more The general concern for arsenic in the marine environment is associated with its wide distribution and potential toxicity. In the present work, concentrations and chemical speciation of arsenic were characterized in sediments and representative biota from the Indian Sundarban, the largest continuous mangrove tract formed at the mouth of the Hugli (Ganges) River estuary, northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. Analyzed organisms included both shellfish (Macoma birmanica, Sanguinolaria acuminata and Meretrix meretrix) and finfish (Liza parsia, Liza tade, Harpodon nehereus and Eleutheronema tetradactylum). Arsenic concentrations in sediments did not exceed 4 mg g À1 dry weight with the contribution of inorganic molecules (arsenate and arsenite) ranging from 61.7 to 81.3%. Total As (T As ) concentrations varied from less than 2 to 16 mg g À1 in tissues of bivalves; the more elevated As accumulation was observed in gills and the mantle probably due to ion exchange properties of the mucous layer covering these organs, whereas adductor muscle and the podium showed limited values.
This communication discusses a novel approach for the measurement of temperature in the mixing ar... more This communication discusses a novel approach for the measurement of temperature in the mixing area of outflow water from Madras Atomic Power Station, located at a coastal site near Tamil Nadu, India. In addition, various environmental aspects such as chlorination, phytoplankton estimation and annual sea surface water temperature have also been addressed in this paper in the light of similar work published earlier from the same locality.
Chlorination is practised for preventing biofouling in the cooling water systems of Madras Atomic... more Chlorination is practised for preventing biofouling in the cooling water systems of Madras Atomic Power Station. Results of laboratory experiments on phytoplankton recovery (as measured by absorbance and cell count) showed that the recovery time in process sea water euents and condenser sea water euents occurred after 3 and 5 days, relative to the natural intake water. Results also showed increasing dominance of a single phytoplankton species (Thalassiosira sp.) in the condenser as well as process water during the post recovery period. Signi®cant dierences in absorbance, gross primary productivity and total respiration rate were observed between intake water versus condenser water and intake water versus process water.
Concentrations of Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cr, and Pb
were estimated using ICP-MS in nine commercially
imp... more Concentrations of Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cr, and Pb
were estimated using ICP-MS in nine commercially
important and locally consumed fish species (Sarda
orientalis, Scomberomorus commerson, Rastrelliger
kanagurta, Sardinella longiceps, Paraplagusia bilineata,
Cynoglossus lida, Cynoglossus macrostomus,
Lepturacanthus savala, and Siganus javus) collected
from coastal waters of Kalpakkam, eastern part of
India. Their concentration (μg g−1) in the examined
fish species ranged as follows: Cu (0.8–6.5), Zn (14.3–
27.9), Mn (0.5–8.8), Fe (17.6–117.0), Cr (0.24–1.78),
and Pb (0.18–2.29). Concentrations of most of the
metals in the fish species studied were found to be safe
for human consumption barring Mn.
Seasonal observations on water-quality parameters and chlorophyll-a in the coastal waters off Kal... more Seasonal observations on water-quality parameters and chlorophyll-a in the coastal waters off Kalpakkam, southeast coast of India, was carried out covering an area of about 30 km 2 to find out the variations in physicochemical properties during a monsoonal cycle of the year. Most of the parameters exhibited a significant spatial and seasonal variation. It revealed that the coastal water was significantly influenced by freshwater input from the nearby backwaters during Northeast monsoon and post-monsoon periods. A marginal increase in pH from coast towards offshore was noticed during the observation. Relatively low salinity values were observed during pre and post monsoon when compared to summer. Bottom water was found to be highly turbid dur
Impact of thermal discharge from a
coastal power station (Madras Atomic Power Station,
southeast ... more Impact of thermal discharge from a
coastal power station (Madras Atomic Power Station,
southeast coast of India) on the spatial variability
of Donax cuneatus abundance was assessed
to determine the impact boundary. Totally, 20
sites were selected both on south and north side
in increasing spatial scale from mixing zone, 12
locations were selected toward south side at a
distance from 0 (near mixing point) to 2,000mand
eight location were selected toward north from
the effluent mixing zone. Mean water temperature
along the coast ranged from 29.1 ± 0.15◦C
to 31.2 ± 0.15◦C. Total organic carbon content
in the sediment ranged from 0.27% to 0.70%.
D. cuneatus population on the swash zone was
ranged between 1.3 ± 1.5 and 88.3 ± 9.6 m−2.
Meager population of wedge clam was observed
up to 100 m (S100) south from mixing point and
abundance gradually increased in different spatial
scale. Comparatively high abundance was observed
from S400 and reached maximum at S1000
(64.0 ± 3.6 m−2). Similar pattern was observed on
north side too but less abundance was observed
only up to 80 m (N80). Maximum abundance
was observed at control location C3-N500 (88.3 ±
9.6 m−2). Forty meters on either side of discharge
point was highly impacted, 80 to 100 m toward
plume flow (south) was moderately impacted, and
80 m north of mixing point also witnessed moderate
impact. After 100 m (N100), north was not
affected by effluents, whereas between 100 and
400 m, south was influenced slightly. Multivariate
clustering pattern on the environmental variables
of all sampling locations and population trend of
D. cuneatus at those stations showed similarity.
Present investigation unambiguously showed that
the abundance pattern of D. cuneatus on the sandy
beach of east coast of Kalpakkam is not governed
by single major factor but due to the result of
multiple interacting factors. The population size
of the wedge clam with reference to the effect
of power plant effluents and other features of
habitats of the beach ecosystem are also discussed.
The paper presents the first comprehensive survey of congener profiles of polychlorinated bi-phen... more The paper presents the first comprehensive survey of congener profiles of polychlorinated bi-phenyls (PCBs) in core sediment samples (<63 μm particle size) covering seven sites in Sunderban mangrove Wetland, northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. Results pointed out a non-homogenous contamination of the wetland with Σ 23 PCB values ranging from 0.5 to 26.9 ng g-1 dry weight, reflecting very low to moderate contamination closely in conformity to other Asian coastal environment. The general decreasing order of the dominant congeners to the total load was: CB138 > 153 > 149 > 101, indicating the predominance of hexa-chlorinated congeners. The spatial distribution revealed significant differences in concentration related to local urbanization with industrial and land-based sources. No uniform temporal trend on PCB levels was recorded probably due to particular hydrological characteristics of the wetland and/or non-homogenous inputs from point sources. Strong positive correlations between the seven dominant congeners suggest their common sources and similar environmental behaviors. These results were also used for a risk assessment evaluation in the Sunderban wetland, showing that the present PCB levels were exceeding in few cases the lower limit of sediment quality guidelines of Environmental Protection Agency and Cana-dian Council of Ministers of the Environment.
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are an important potential component of chemical pollutants used... more Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are an important potential component of chemical pollutants used extensively for agriculture and sanitation purposes in India as these are comparatively cheap and effective. These persistent organic compounds such as HCH isomers, DDT and its metabolites are the predominant chemical contaminants found along the Indian coast and thus constitute both alluring and grave areas of scientific research. Our objective in the paper is to provide a comprehensive account of the distribution of organochlorine pesticides in biotic and abiotic compartments of the Indian coastal environment, make some comments on their environmental sources, their movement through the food chain and possible ecotoxicological risk of health in biota including humans. The prevalent HCH, DDT and HCB concentrations differ markedly in eastern and western coast of India reflecting differing agricultural and other usage and their ultimate input into the coastal environment by several rivers and the bioturbation activities of macrozoobenthos (bivalve mollusks, polychaetous annelids, etc.). In several cases, the DDT levels exceeded the effects range-low (ER-L) and could thus cause acute biological impairments, in comparison with the sediment quality guidelines. Contributions of DDT metabolites (DDT, DDD and DDE residues) vary in different Indian coastal regions predominated by pp′-DDT and pp′-DDD. Measured concentrations of HCHs were lower than DDTs that might be due to higher water solubility, vapor pressure and biodegradability of the latter. HCH and DDT residues in fish in India were lower than those in the temperate countries indicating a lower accumulation in tropical fish, which might be related to rapid volatilization of this insecticide in the tropical environment. The concentrations of other chlorinated pesticides (aldrin, dieldrin, eldrin, methoxychlor, endosulfan sulphate) were lower and not generally of great concern.
The paper presents the first document regarding concentration, distribution and possible sources ... more The paper presents the first document regarding concentration, distribution and possible sources of selected trace elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, Pb, Al, B and Ba) in core sediments (b 63 μ particle size) from the lower stretch of Hugli (Ganges) estuary, northeast coast of Bay of Bengal by ICP–AES and EDXRF to evaluate geochemical processes influencing their distribution and possible environmental consequences. The levels of elements showed a wide range of variations in different core depths, in upper and lower intertidal zones as well as among three sampling stations. The most interesting feature of the study is the downward increase of concentrations of majority of the elements reaching overall maximum values at a depth of 20–28 cm in upper littoral zone of the site located in the extreme downstream stretch of the estuary. Values of organic carbon showed very strong positive correlations with most of the elements as revealed by correlation matrix (r) values. The interelemental relationship revealed the identical behavior of element during its transport in the estuarine environment. The overall variation in concentration can be attributed to differential discharge of untreated effluents originating from industrial, agricultural, and aquacultural sources as well as from domestic sewage along with the fishing and boating activities. The resulting compositional dataset was tested by principal component analyses and cluster analyses. Pollution load index (PLI) and index of Geoaccumulation (I geo) revealed overall low values but the enrichment factors (EFs) for Pb were typically high for all the stations. The mean concentrations of Zn and to some extent Cu exceeded the Effects Range-Low (ER-L) values in the majority of the cases indicating that there may be some ecotoxicological risk to organisms living in sediments. The concentration of the trace elements reported in this work is useful as baselines for comparison in future sediment quality studies.
A new species of sand crab Jonas Hombron & Jacquinot, 1846 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Corys... more A new species of sand crab Jonas Hombron & Jacquinot, 1846 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Corystidae) from the southeastern coast of India Abstract A new species of sand crab of the genus Jonas Hombron & Jacquinot, 1846 (family Corystidae) is described from specimens collected from Kalpakkam, southeastern coast of India. Two other species, J. indicus (Chopra, 1935), and J. choprai Serène, 1971, have previously been recorded from this area. A detailed description of the new species is given and compared with the closely related J. formosae Balss, 1922, also from the Indo-West Pacific.
Scolopsis igcarensis, a new species of monocle bream (family Nemipteridae) from the coastal water... more Scolopsis igcarensis, a new species of monocle bream (family Nemipteridae) from the coastal waters of southern India and Sri Lanka is described. The species is distinguished from other species of the genus Scolopsis by a combination of the following characters: scales on top of head reaching forward to between anterior nostril and snout tip; lower margin of eye below the line from snout tip to upper pectoral fin base; a bony ridge below eye; a white band from behind eye to level of end of dorsal fin base.
The objective of the present study was to characterize the concentrations of selected dissolved t... more The objective of the present study was to characterize the concentrations of selected dissolved trace metals in the coastal waters (500 m from shore) of Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India. The order of dissolved concentration of these metals was found to be as follows: Co (cobalt) , Cd (cadmium) , Cr (chromium) , Mn (manganese) , Cu (copper) , Ni (nickel) , Pb (lead) , Zn (zinc). The levels of these trace metals were found to be relatively low as compared to the reported values for other Indian coastal waters, which indicates negligible pollution at this location. Cadmium was the only metal found to increase its concentration during the monsoon period, suggesting its allochthonous input. Factor analysis indicated that chromium, nickel, zinc, cobalt, copper, manganese, and lead were of common origin, and external inputs through land runoff had nominal or little impact, typifying in-situ regeneration and remineralization linkage with their temporal variation. However, levels of zinc, cobalt, and copper remained relatively high during the summer period, and abrupt increases in their concentration during December (monsoon season) may be due to their dual (autochthonous as well as allochthonous) input. Water Environ. Res., 85, 696 (2013).
The paper presents the first comprehensive account of congener profiles of polycyclic aromatic hy... more The paper presents the first comprehensive account of congener profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in intertidal bivalve mollusks [Meretrix meretrix, Macoma birmanica, and Sanguilonaria (Soletellina) acuminata] of Sunderban mangrove wetland (India). The main aim of this work was to use the bivalves as bioindicators
of the contamination of the 16 USEPA PAH. The PAH profile in bivalves is largely dominated by a petrogenic fingerprint, with over-imposition of pyrolytic PAH sources, as evidenced by diagnostic molecular
ratios. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) of individual compounds from the sediments were calculated, and it reveals overall higher values in the visceral mass of the bivalves. S acuminata showed significantly
higher levels of PAHs, especially the high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs, compared to the other two species as a sensitive indicator of trace organic stress in future monitoring programs.
Formation character of brominated-trihalomethanes (Br-THMs) in chlorinated seawater and its depen... more Formation character of brominated-trihalomethanes (Br-THMs) in chlorinated seawater and its dependence on applied chlorine dose, reaction time, and temperature were investigated in the laboratory. Seawater was collected from the east coast of India and a chlorine dose of 1, 3, 5, and 10 ppm was each applied at a temperature of 20, 30, and 40 8C to investigate the yield and kinetics of Br-THMs formation. Qualitative and quantitative estimation of THM formation at various intervals of time ranging from 5 min to 168 h was determined by a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Chlorine dose, chlorine contact time, and reaction temperature positively affected the load of THMs. The ratio of chlorine dose to halogen incorporation decreased from 12% to 5% with increasing applied chlorine dose from 1 to 10 ppm. Significant levels of THMs were found to be formed within 0.5 h of reaction, followed by a very slow rate of formation. Elevated temperature favored both increased rate of formation and overall THM yield. The formation order of different trihalomethane species at all studied temperatures was observed to be bromodichloromethane (CHCl 2 Br) , dibromochloromethane (CHClBr 2 ) , bromoform (CHBr 3 ). Formation of chloroform was not observed, and bromoform was the dominant (96% to 98%) among the three THM species formed. Water Environ. Res., 84, 2003Res., 84, (2012.
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Papers by Kamala Satpathy
were estimated using ICP-MS in nine commercially
important and locally consumed fish species (Sarda
orientalis, Scomberomorus commerson, Rastrelliger
kanagurta, Sardinella longiceps, Paraplagusia bilineata,
Cynoglossus lida, Cynoglossus macrostomus,
Lepturacanthus savala, and Siganus javus) collected
from coastal waters of Kalpakkam, eastern part of
India. Their concentration (μg g−1) in the examined
fish species ranged as follows: Cu (0.8–6.5), Zn (14.3–
27.9), Mn (0.5–8.8), Fe (17.6–117.0), Cr (0.24–1.78),
and Pb (0.18–2.29). Concentrations of most of the
metals in the fish species studied were found to be safe
for human consumption barring Mn.
coastal power station (Madras Atomic Power Station,
southeast coast of India) on the spatial variability
of Donax cuneatus abundance was assessed
to determine the impact boundary. Totally, 20
sites were selected both on south and north side
in increasing spatial scale from mixing zone, 12
locations were selected toward south side at a
distance from 0 (near mixing point) to 2,000mand
eight location were selected toward north from
the effluent mixing zone. Mean water temperature
along the coast ranged from 29.1 ± 0.15◦C
to 31.2 ± 0.15◦C. Total organic carbon content
in the sediment ranged from 0.27% to 0.70%.
D. cuneatus population on the swash zone was
ranged between 1.3 ± 1.5 and 88.3 ± 9.6 m−2.
Meager population of wedge clam was observed
up to 100 m (S100) south from mixing point and
abundance gradually increased in different spatial
scale. Comparatively high abundance was observed
from S400 and reached maximum at S1000
(64.0 ± 3.6 m−2). Similar pattern was observed on
north side too but less abundance was observed
only up to 80 m (N80). Maximum abundance
was observed at control location C3-N500 (88.3 ±
9.6 m−2). Forty meters on either side of discharge
point was highly impacted, 80 to 100 m toward
plume flow (south) was moderately impacted, and
80 m north of mixing point also witnessed moderate
impact. After 100 m (N100), north was not
affected by effluents, whereas between 100 and
400 m, south was influenced slightly. Multivariate
clustering pattern on the environmental variables
of all sampling locations and population trend of
D. cuneatus at those stations showed similarity.
Present investigation unambiguously showed that
the abundance pattern of D. cuneatus on the sandy
beach of east coast of Kalpakkam is not governed
by single major factor but due to the result of
multiple interacting factors. The population size
of the wedge clam with reference to the effect
of power plant effluents and other features of
habitats of the beach ecosystem are also discussed.
of the contamination of the 16 USEPA PAH. The PAH profile in bivalves is largely dominated by a petrogenic fingerprint, with over-imposition of pyrolytic PAH sources, as evidenced by diagnostic molecular
ratios. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) of individual compounds from the sediments were calculated, and it reveals overall higher values in the visceral mass of the bivalves. S acuminata showed significantly
higher levels of PAHs, especially the high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs, compared to the other two species as a sensitive indicator of trace organic stress in future monitoring programs.
were estimated using ICP-MS in nine commercially
important and locally consumed fish species (Sarda
orientalis, Scomberomorus commerson, Rastrelliger
kanagurta, Sardinella longiceps, Paraplagusia bilineata,
Cynoglossus lida, Cynoglossus macrostomus,
Lepturacanthus savala, and Siganus javus) collected
from coastal waters of Kalpakkam, eastern part of
India. Their concentration (μg g−1) in the examined
fish species ranged as follows: Cu (0.8–6.5), Zn (14.3–
27.9), Mn (0.5–8.8), Fe (17.6–117.0), Cr (0.24–1.78),
and Pb (0.18–2.29). Concentrations of most of the
metals in the fish species studied were found to be safe
for human consumption barring Mn.
coastal power station (Madras Atomic Power Station,
southeast coast of India) on the spatial variability
of Donax cuneatus abundance was assessed
to determine the impact boundary. Totally, 20
sites were selected both on south and north side
in increasing spatial scale from mixing zone, 12
locations were selected toward south side at a
distance from 0 (near mixing point) to 2,000mand
eight location were selected toward north from
the effluent mixing zone. Mean water temperature
along the coast ranged from 29.1 ± 0.15◦C
to 31.2 ± 0.15◦C. Total organic carbon content
in the sediment ranged from 0.27% to 0.70%.
D. cuneatus population on the swash zone was
ranged between 1.3 ± 1.5 and 88.3 ± 9.6 m−2.
Meager population of wedge clam was observed
up to 100 m (S100) south from mixing point and
abundance gradually increased in different spatial
scale. Comparatively high abundance was observed
from S400 and reached maximum at S1000
(64.0 ± 3.6 m−2). Similar pattern was observed on
north side too but less abundance was observed
only up to 80 m (N80). Maximum abundance
was observed at control location C3-N500 (88.3 ±
9.6 m−2). Forty meters on either side of discharge
point was highly impacted, 80 to 100 m toward
plume flow (south) was moderately impacted, and
80 m north of mixing point also witnessed moderate
impact. After 100 m (N100), north was not
affected by effluents, whereas between 100 and
400 m, south was influenced slightly. Multivariate
clustering pattern on the environmental variables
of all sampling locations and population trend of
D. cuneatus at those stations showed similarity.
Present investigation unambiguously showed that
the abundance pattern of D. cuneatus on the sandy
beach of east coast of Kalpakkam is not governed
by single major factor but due to the result of
multiple interacting factors. The population size
of the wedge clam with reference to the effect
of power plant effluents and other features of
habitats of the beach ecosystem are also discussed.
of the contamination of the 16 USEPA PAH. The PAH profile in bivalves is largely dominated by a petrogenic fingerprint, with over-imposition of pyrolytic PAH sources, as evidenced by diagnostic molecular
ratios. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) of individual compounds from the sediments were calculated, and it reveals overall higher values in the visceral mass of the bivalves. S acuminata showed significantly
higher levels of PAHs, especially the high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs, compared to the other two species as a sensitive indicator of trace organic stress in future monitoring programs.