Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Organs of Fresh Water Fish Oreochromis mossambicus Collected from two Sites of Ujani Backwaters

Abstract

In the present study, an attempt has been made to compare the bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in the different tissues of the most common fish Oreochromis mossambicus collected from two sites of Ujani backwaters during three seasons of the year. The backwater of Ujani dam is a major resource of freshwater fishes to local population, where fishery is practiced on large scale. It is essential to conduct a survey of the bioaccumulation pattern of toxic heavy metals such as Hg, Pb, Cu, and Zn in the fish species commonly consumed by people in this region. The survey was carried out during three seasons of the year. The accumulated toxic heavy metals were found in the order Zn>Cu>Pb> Hg. The seasonal order was Monsoon > Pre-monsoon > Post-monsoon. The seasonal variation might be the effect of monsoonal runoff from the highly urbanized and industrial city of Pune that convey huge quantum of effluents in the water of tributaries of Bhima. Such study has immense importance as fishes are consumed by a large percentage of the people in the area of backwaters. This study would also provide a roadmap for researchers and policymakers to identify and implement effective and sustainable measures to counteract the increasing trends of pollution levels in natural ecosystems.