Assessment of pollution status of rivers Jehlum and Sutlej, Pakistan through trace metals in fish, sediment and water

Abstract

Pollution status of two rivers, Jehlum and Sutlej was assessed through trace metal content of fish, sediment and water. Twenty fish species were obtained in the weight range of 900–1200g for the analysis of Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg in their muscle by the atomic absorption method. Maximum concentrations of 1.321, 5.012, 6.501, 2.117, 10.139, 6.715 and 0.911 μg/g were observed for Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Fe, Zn and Cu in fish from the Jehlum river. In fish from the Sutlej river Mn, Ni, Pb and Hg showed maximum concentrations (2.731, 2.663, 6.701 and 2.301 μg/g, respectively). It was observed that metal levels were not only species‐specific, but also site‐specific. The observed high levels of metal concentrations of Ag, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn and Hg in fish, sediment and water from the two rivers indicated industrial pollution. The concentrations of metals in the three media were high in close proximity to sites of industrial and agricultural importance.