Geochemical fractionation and risk assessment of trace elements in sediments from tide-dominated Hooghly (Ganges) river Estuary, India

Abstract The geochemical fractionation and potential mobilization of cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel and lead were studied in surficial sediments (top 0–10 cm; 46%), reflecting their adverse impact on benthic organisms as they are weakly bound to the sediment and can migrate to water; (iii) a minor fraction of Cu (