Abstract
In the present study, the two lakes, Vengaiah lake (Lake A-Sewage polluted receiving discharge from storm water drain) and Yellamallappa Chetty lake (Lake B-Industrially polluted) situated near Krishnarajpuram-Hoskote taluk, Bangalore, Karnataka were selected for analysis of trace metals viz., arsenic, aluminium, cadmium, lead, mercury, iron, copper and zinc in water samples. Muscle and gill tissues of freshwater fish Labeo rohita reared in these water bodies were analysed for bioaccumulation of trace metals. Hebbal fish farm was considered as a reference site (Control site) for water and fish samples. Trace metals were analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and values were compared with those recommended by FAO/WHO in water and fish samples. Trace metals such as Al, As and Hg were detected in the water sampled from lake B which is attributed to the differences in the sources of pollutants. Fish tissues viz., muscle and gills sampled from Lake B exhibited high concentration of Al, Pb and Cd content showing a positive correlation with their concentration in water samples. The remaining metals as Cu, Zn and Fe were detected in water sampled from all water bodies and also in the fish tissues. Gills exhibited higher concentration of metals in fish from lake B. Bioaccumulation of these trace metals in fish tissues may cause potential danger to human health when consumed on regular basis. Thus necessary remedial measures are required to combat water contamination and its management keeping in view the aquatic ecosystem and public health. Values were statistically significant at P < 0.0001.
Highlights
Heavy metals are natural trace components of the aquatic environment, causing threat to the health of Indian ecosystem
The present results on Al content detected in lake B and in fish muscle and gill tissue are in conformity with those of Jabeen et al [23] suggesting significantly high fluctuations in aluminium content in tissues of Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhina mrigala collected from river Ravi, Pakistan with respect to pollution level
Presence of cadmium in water and its significant levels in fish tissues from lake B may cause disturbances in respiration as was observed in tuna exposed for a short term period to cadmium by Witeska et al [25]
Summary
Heavy metals are natural trace components of the aquatic environment, causing threat to the health of Indian ecosystem High concentration of these metals is released into the aquatic environment as a result of leaching from bed rocks, atmospheric decomposition, water drainage, run off from river banks and discharge of urban and industrial waste waters [1]. They are among the most persistent pollutants in aquatic ecosystem because of their resistance to decomposition in natural conditions [2] and have the ability to bioaccumulate [3]; having public interest [4]. Since metal is known to affect the central metabolic pathways it may have a major detrimental impact on both human and animal life [9], there is a growing concern that metals accumulated in fish tissues may represent a health risk, especially for fish consuming population [10] [11]
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