Trace Metal Inference on Seaweeds in Wandoor Area, Southern Andaman Island

Thanamegam Kaviarasan, Murugaiah Santhosh Gokul, Santhaseelan Henciya, Krishnan Muthukumar, Hans-Uwe Dahms, Rathinam Arthur James

Trace metals concentrations were studied for three different seasons on four seaweed species (Halimeda gracilis, Padina pavonica, Sargassum swartzii and Turbinaria ornata) from Wandoor area of southern Andaman Island. Though diversified seaweed population records in the study area, the studied four species were predominantly present in all the seasons. The observed average levels on trace metals concentrations were Cd 0-0.311 µg/g, Cr 0.002-0.334 µg/g, Cu 0.003-0.291 µg/g, Mn 0.118-7.736 µg/g, Pb 0-0.165 µg/g and Zn 0.019-5.537 µg/g respectively. Brown seaweed P. pavonica showed higher level of Mn concentration as 7.73 µg/g during northeast monsoon reflects physiological properties and sequestrative nature. Our result suggests, the metal concentrations were not higher with reference to Dadolahi's metal pollution index. Based on univariate analysis of variance, there is no significant variation found in both species and seasons. To maintain the tradition of the study area, continues monitoring is essential for better understanding and ecosystem conservation.