Atif Shahzad, Moazzam Ali Khan, Kiran Shahzad, S. Shahid Shaukat, Omm-E-Hany, Aamir Alamgir and Sara Umair Siddiqui
Abstract
This study focuses on the heavy metal contamination along Rehri Creek area. Water and sediment samples were systematically collected from industrial and domestic discharges which is responsible for pollution st the area. Wastewater samples were collected from lower section of the drains at three different stations while seawater and sediments samples were collected close to these drains. Heavy metal contents were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) is used for statistical grouping of sites that have similar characteristics. Strong positive correlations were obtained for the heavy metals which seem to be attributable to their common origin. In addition, mineralization in the area is thought to cause variation in metal contents. Results of the heavy metal analysis in the effluent drains showed elevated concentrations of all metals except Zn at site 1 and site 2 and As at site 1 as compared to National Environmental Quality Standards. The heavy metal accumulation in the area is responsible for creating ecological disturbances which results in biodiversity losses. It is recommended that protection zones should be defined and the necessary measures be taken so as to cease the degradation of this economically and ecologically important creek.
Atif Shahzad, Moazzam Ali Khan, Kiran Shahzad, S. Shahid Shaukat, Omm-E-Hany, Aamir Alamgir and Sara Umair Siddiqui. (2010) ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTENTS AT REHRI CREEK AREA, KARACHI, SINDH, , Volume 7, Issue 4.
