01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-01-0217 |
| Title of Abstract | OCCURRENCE AND RISK ANALYSIS OF SEDIMENTARY POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN ANDROTT AND KADMAT ISLANDS OF LAKSHADWEEP, INDIAN OCEAN |
| Authors | Dhinesh R*, Kirthiga SS, Anu Gopinath, Paromita Chakraborthy, Arya P Kumar, Mahendra R S, T. M. Balakrishnan Nair, Sudheer Joseph, Prakash Chandra Mohanty, Harikumar R, Abdul Raheem C N |
| Organisation | Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi, Kerala |
| Address | Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies Kochi, Kerala, India Pincode: 608301 E-mail: dhinesh7143@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) of global concern due to their long environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxic effects on aquatic organisms and human health. This study investigated the occurrence, spatial distribution, and potential sources of PAHs in coastal sediments of Andrott atoll and Kadmat island, representing highly and moderately populated islands, respectively, within the Lakshadweep archipelago. Surface sediment samples were systematically collected during 2024⿿2025 from selected sites across both islands. The 16 priority PAHs listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were quantified using standard extraction protocols followed by gas chromatography⿿mass spectrometry (GC⿿MS) analysis. Concentrations exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity, reflecting the combined influence of local anthropogenic activities, including maritime transport, fishing, and coastal tourism, alongside natural inputs driven by oceanic currents. Diagnostic ratio and source apportionment analyses indicated a mixed origin, with both pyrolytic (combustion-derived) and petrogenic (petroleum-derived) sources contributing to contamination. Sediment quality assessments, benchmarked against internationally recognized threshold values, revealed moderate contamination, suggesting potential ecological risks. The study provides a baseline dataset for PAH pollution in Lakshadweep sediments and emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and targeted management strategies to safeguard the fragile island coastal ecosystems. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Hydrocarbons, Andrott, Kadmat, Chromatography, Persistent pollutants |
| For Awards | yes |
| Date Of Birth | 10-06-1999 |
| ECSN Registration Number | IIOE2-ECSN-0142 |