Three species of mangroves and six species of salt marshes were collected from various locations along the Tuticorin coast for the estimation of metals like Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn. The bioaccumulation of metals in mangroves is in the order of Cu > Pb > Zn > Cd, and the season-wise accumulation was higher in monsoon followed by summer, post-monsoon, and pre-monsoon seasons. The accumulation of metals in mangroves showed higher in Rhizophoraapiculata followed by Avicenniamarina, and Rhizophoramucronata. The concentration of metals in salt marshes is in the order of Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd, and the species-wise accumulation showed in the order of Suaeda maritime > Ipomoea sp. > Suaeda sp. > Spinifix littoreous > Sesuvium portacastrum > Ipomoea pes-capras. BAF in salt marhes and mangroves is as Cd < Pb < Cu < Zn and Cd < Cu < Pb < Zn, respectively. Display omitted •Three species of mangroves and six species of saltmarshes were collected from Tuticorin for the estimation of metals.•Among the metals tested, the Pb and Cd contents are more and over all accumulation showed more during monsoon season.•The metals contents in mangrove and saltmarshes are in the order of Cu > Pb > Zn > Cd and Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd respectively.•Bioaccumulation Factor in saltmarhs and mangroves are as Cd < Pb < Cu < Zn and Cd < Cu < Pb < Zn respectively.•The present study recommends regular monitoring and strict enforcement of law for discharge of effluents from industries.