Title: Physico-chemical analysis of the sediment samples collected from Thane Creek of Maharashtra, India

Authors: P.U. Singare, R.S. Lokhande, S.S. Bhattacharjee

Addresses: Department of Chemistry, Bhavan's College, Munshi Nagar, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400058, India. ' Department of Chemistry, University of Mumbai, Santacruz, Vidyanagari, Mumbai 400 098, India. ' Department of Chemistry, Dnyansadhana College, Thane (West), Mumbai 400604, India

Abstract: Thane Creek is one of the most important ecosystems around Mumbai and Thane, and the mangroves surrounding the ecosystem form the vital green lung for the residents. It is also an important feeding and breeding ground for fishes. Locals have been living in harmony amidst this ecosystem for ages, but in recent past, man has misused this ecosystem by way of releasing sewage, dumping solid waste, etc., and has succeeded in choking the ecosystem. This paper advocates habitat conservation and ecological studies with special reference to the physico-chemical characteristics of the sediment samples collected from six different sampling sites along the Thane Creek area. The constituents monitored included bulk density, moisture content, pH, EC, alkalinity, and chlorinity. The objective of the present work is to throw light on deteriorating condition of Thane Creek, suggesting the need for regular scientific studies, which will help to gauge the extent of pollution.

Keywords: environmental pollution; physico-chemical characteristics; chlorinity; electrical conductivity; alkalinity; pH; sediment; Thane Creek; Maharashtra; India; ecosystems; water pollution; water quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2011.040242

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2011 Vol.12 No.2, pp.95 - 107

Published online: 23 Sep 2014 *

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