Distribution of 210Pb in the surface sediments of major rivers of coastal Kerala, South India

Abstract

The distribution of ²¹⁰Pb in the sediment samples of major rivers of coastal Kerala, namely, Bharathapuzha, Periyar, and Kallada, was studied systematically. The activity of ²¹⁰Pb was estimated through ²¹⁰Po by radiochemical separation and subsequent deposition on a silver disc. The α-activity was then counted using a ZnS(Ag) counter of 30% efficiency, and the activity was calculated. The mean activities of ²¹⁰Pb in the sediment samples of Bharathapuzha, Periyar, and Kallada rivers were found to be 13.5 ± 1.2, 89 ± 3, and 61 ± 2 Bq kg^–1, respectively. Good correlation was found between the ²¹⁰Pb activity and organic matter percentage and clay content for Periyar and Kallada rivers.