Recent contributions to the geochemistry and sedimentology of estuaries, mangroves, and mudbanks along the Indian coast: A status report

Abstract

In the last four years, significant progress has been made in biogeochemical/ geochemical and sedimentological studies of the coastal sediments along the east and west coasts of India. The present review highlights the research output in sediment dynamics, biogeochemical processes like sulfate reduction/ nitrogen cycle and metal enrichment/contamination in the coastal sediments in three distinct depositional milieus like estuaries, mangroves, and mudbanks. These depositional regimes are not only highly dynamic owing to tidal currents and waves, but also highly productive. Both biodiversities as well as water/sediment compositions of the coastal regions are very much susceptible to anthropogenic input.