HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN SEDIMENTS OF KANWARJHEEL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, BIHAR, INDIAAJEET KUMAR SINGH AND S. JAYAKUMARAbstract The accumulation of heavy metals in sediments of water bodies are of serious concern due to toxic and non-biodegradable nature. In this study, sediment core samples of Kanwarjheel wildlife sanctuary were analysed to understand the distribution of heavy metals. The average concentration of heavy metals was found in a sequence of Fe > Mn > Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni. The vertical distribution of these metals in sediments has shown considerable variations in their concentration. Except Mn, all other metals exceed the value of low effect level prescribed by United States Environmental Protection Agency. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF) was used to estimate the sediment quality. The average values of Igeo, EF and CF were ranged between -0.50 to 0.59, 0.34 to 3.76 and 0.47 to 5.80 respectively. The intensive agriculture practices and continuous discharge of sewage and industrial wastes have significantly influenced the metal concentration in the study area.
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