World Applied Sciences Journal 30 (5): 581-587, 2014 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2014 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2014.30.05.37 Corresponding Author: Abeda Begum, Department of Environmental Science, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan. 581 A Study of Coastal Sediments of Sindh Pakistan Using Geochemical Approach for Evaluation of Heavy Metals Pollution Arif Zubair, Abeda Begum and Muhammad Umer Khan Department of Environmental Science, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan Abstract: Twenty one locations in the Coastal area of Sindh, Pakistan were chosen with the purpose of study the accessibility of heavy metals and their concentrations in the surficial sediments (<60 m). These soil samples were analyzed for Fe (Iron), Mn (Magnese), Cr (Chromium), Pb (Lead), Zn (Zinc), Cu (Copper), Co (Cobalt) and As (Arsenic) to examine metal concentrations in sediments. The concentration of metals Fe, Mn, Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Co and As were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Evaluation of anthropogenic pollution in sediments, Enrichment Factor (EF) and Index of Geoaccumulation (Igeo) are calculated. The concentration of cadmium is demonstrating elevated contamination in all the sampling sites. The observations suggested high EF values of the coastal sediments are polluted by Mn and Zn acts as a sink for heavy metals contributed from a multitude of anthropogenic sources in the study area possibly displays the effluent discharge. EF data and Geoaccumulation index values (Igeo) indicated that these trace metals predominantly originates from anthropogenic sources. Considering the calculated EF and I values, the increased I values in south and geo geo southeastern part of the study areas are attributed principally to anthropogenic activities. Key words: Enrichment Factor Index of Geoaccumulation Anthropogenic activities INTRODUCTION enhanced ecological excellence and will as a key for an Trace elements found in soils/sediments are widespread investigations of coastal soils have been immobilized in water and as a result could be concerned in carried out newly in many countries [11]. These soil with absorption, co-precipitation and complex formation samples were analyzed for Fe, Mn, Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Co and [1, 2]. Occasionally they are co-adsorbed with further As to scrutinize metal concentrations in sediment. elements as oxides, hydroxides of Fe, Mn, or may occur in Therefore, the study will endeavor to evaluate the extent particulate form [3,4]. Their concentrations in streams and of heavy metal contamination from the surface to the coastal sediment compartments can be used to reveal the bottom sediments and the degree to which heavy metals history and concentration of local and regional pollution are influenced. The interrelationships among elements and [5-8]. In the study area, heavy metals penetrate into Enrichment Factor (EF), geoaccumulation index values aquatic ecosystems mostly from anthropogenic sources, (Igeo) is calculated to differentiate the origin of metals such as industrial wastewater discharges, sewage between anthropogenic and geogenic sources. wastewater and fossil fuel combustion [9]. It has been observed worldwide that the impact of anthropogenic MATERIALS AND METHODS perturbation is most powerfully felt by estuarine and coastal environments nearby to the study areas [10]. Sediment Sampling and Chemical Analysis: A total In view of collection of soil samples for trace metals twenty one samples of coastal sediments from same in the study area has been completed to serve up a basis number of sites were collected during 2011-2012 (Figure1) for the preparation of control strategies to accomplish using a hand trowel. Watindo stream was chosen to efficient management of soil quality; comparable