Metal Concentrations In Water Research Articles

Metal Distribution in the Environmental Compartments of Manguaba Lagoon (Alagoas State, Brazil)

The metal concentrations in water, sediments and mollusks (Tagelus plebeius) of the Manguaba Lagoon and the influence of humic substances from water and sediments in the distribution of these metals were investigated in this work. The mean metal concentrations in water were: Mg (89.0 ± 0.11), Ca (32.0 ± 0.10), Fe (0.97 ± 0.02), Mn (0.52 ± 0.01), Zn (0.33 ± 0.10) and Pb (0.22 ± 0.02) mg L-1. The Pb concentrations were above the Brazilian legislation limit. All sediment data were below maximum limit established by the National Council for the Environment (CONAMA, Brazil) of the Ministry of the Environment, and the concentration ranges for metals were: Fe (1199-60000), Mg (339-8870), Ca (461-3838), Cr (< LOQ-39.5) and Pb (< LOQ-12.5) mg kg-1 (LOQ: limit of quantification). None of the principal contaminants (Cr, Pb and Cd) was determined in Tagelus plebeius, being a positive fact once the population nearby Manguaba Lagoon consumes large amounts of this mollusk. According to the results, the influence of humic substances in the contaminant retention is evident as they become unavailable for absorption by mollusks of Manguaba Lagoon.

ASSESSMENT OF METAL POLLUTION IN WATER AND SURFACE SEDIMENTS OF GORANCHAY RIVER

Concentration of metals in water and sediment samples from Goranchay River was examined to obtain information about metal pollution. Also, 6 surface sediments and water samples were collected from sampling points and analyzed for metals (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sr, Ba, Pb) using Varian model Spectra AA 220 FS atomic absorption spectrometer. The average concentration of examined metals at the same sampling locations was in line with the order of Ca>Fe>Mg>K>Na>Mn>V>Zn>Ni>Cr>Cu>Co>Pb in sediment samples. Single element pollution index values, including geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF) and enrichment factor (EF), were used to evaluate contamination with metals in the examined sediment samples.

THE EFFECTS OF THE APPLICATIONS OF ZEOLITE AND BIOCHAR TO THE SOILS IRRIGATED WITH TREATED WASTEWATER ON THE HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS OF THE SOILS AND LEACHING WATERS FROM THE SOILS

The reuse of wastewaters for agricultural irrigation is a method used in arid and semi-arid regions. The heavy metal accumulation in soils caused by wastewaters and the heavy metals transported by the waters leaching into the underground from these soils are important environmental issues. The study investigates the effects of Biochar (Bc) and Zeolite (Zt) applications on the heavy metal accumulation in soils (entisol and vertisol) that were irrigated with treated urban wastewater (TWW). The effects of Bc and Zt on the heavy metal concentrations of the leaching water (LW) from the soils were investigated as well. In the study, increasing doses of Bc (1%, 2%, and 4%) and Zt (5%, 10%, and 20%) were mixed into two soil classes of heavy- and fine-textured soils. The mixtures were irrigated with TWW at certain intervals. At the end of the trial, the chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) contents of the samples collected from the soils and leaching irrigation waters were determined. The results revealed that Bc and Zt caused heavy metal accumulation in both soil classes, while they decreased the heavy metal concentrations of the LW. The adsorbents are commonly used as soil amendments and have been determined to cause heavy metal accumulation in soils but reduced the heavy metal concentrations in waters by serving as filters.

Trace Element’s Speciation in the Water and Bottom Sediments of the Pirogovo Reservoir

The composition and speciation of trace elements were studied in surface and interstitial waters along with solid phase of bottom sediments to characterize the abiotic segment of the Pirogovo Reservoir. It was found that the concentrations of metals in surface waters did not exceed the MACs for fishery basins, excluding Zn and Cu (2–9 and up to 2 MACs, respectively). According to thermodynamic calculations, the predominant metal speciation in water is free ions (Sr, Ba, Zn, Ni, Co, and Cd), as well as fulvate and carbonate complexes of Cu and Pb, respectively. Interstitial waters showed a regular increase of the fraction of the sulfate complexes of trace elements in loamy sediments. The solid phase of the latter as well was characterized by low anomalous concentrations of Zn, Cd, Co, and Ni. According to the data of extraction, the metals were either fixed in bottom sediments within crystal structure of silicates or bound to oxides and hydroxides of iron and manganese, excluding Cd and Mn, which are characterized by a considerable role of their exchangeable and bound to carbonates fraction in the particulate matter.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals Uptakes of Lettuce (<i>Lactuca sativa</i> L.) Under Irrigation Water of Akaki River, Central Ethiopia

The present study was implemented to remediate heavy metal levels in lettuce grown by Akaki river water in 45 pots. The soil for the pot experiment collected from the Akaki area and the water used for lettuce growing from the upper, middle, and lower part of Akaki River with five treatment for three locations: groundwater (control), 25, 50, 75, and 100% Akaki river water with groundwater combination set as treatment. The results obtained from this pot experiment in lettuce samples Cd, Pb, Fe, Zn, Cr, and Cu concentration in the range of (0.047-0.263), (0.42-6.55), (339.83-420.00), (2.96-13.44), (0.95-7.87) and (1.68-7.49) (mg /Kg) respectively, all heavy metal concentration except groundwater irrigated lettuce sample above-recommended level set by WHO (1999). Whereas, Concentration of these metals in the soil samples (mg/kg) was found to be Cd (0.47-3.47), Pb (8.00-118.00), Fe (13557.30-16800.00), Zn (40.00-224.67), Cr (4.91-39.36) and Cu (35.00-149.88), out of Cd and Fe heavy metal concentration in Akaki river water irrigated soil samples except 100% Akaki river water irrigated soil sample was below the recommended level set by /FAOWHO (2001). Similarly, concentrations (mg/L) of the metals in the Akaki river water samples were found to be in the ranges of 0.18-0.28, 1.40-2.67, 0.97-1.40, 0.037-0.087, 0.037-0.080, and 01-0.14 for Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Cr, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals in the Akaki river water and lettuce samples were above the recommended limit of both WHO and FAO. Also, Cd and Fe for the soil samples were greater than WHO and FAO recommended limit. Based on facts obtained from this study we suggest concerned official body (ies) take the necessary precaution measures for cleaning the Akaki river water.

Determination of heavy metals concentration in waste water of Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC)

Waste water from some industries contain high levels of contaminant such as colloid, suspended and dissolved minerals. Heavy metals have negative impact on all forms of life in the environment. Crude oil refining makes use of large volume of water, whence generate large quantities of waste water which must comply with stringent environmental guidelines. To this end, several treatment methods have been explored in order to keep contaminants levels within limits. This study investigated the presence of heavy metals in discharged waste water effluents from the premises of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company LTD into the Ubeji creek. The analysis was carried out using the Flame Atomic Adsorption Spectrometry method. Standard solution used for calibration were prepared for the five heavy metals analysed. Results showed average concentrations of chromium was within the acceptable limit. The overall results show that effluent water from WRPC has concentrations of heavy metals that is within the prescribed acceptable limits for discharge into the environment.

Environmental Impact Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Disposed Drilling Waste

Saudi Arabia has some of the biggest oil and gas reserves in the world, and has expanded its drilling operations gradually to meet the global demand. Improper handling of contaminated drilling wastes may cause serious negative environmental impacts. The current study investigates the toxicological effects of heavy metals in drilling waste by quantification and developing different contamination indices. Solid and liquid samples from different drilling waste pits were collected and analyzed for heavy metals. The average concentration varies significantly and decreases in the order of Fe > Al > Sr > Mn > Cu > Cr > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cd > Ag > Co. The spatial variation showed the highest concentration at SDGM Site 1, West. Comparison of current data showed continental crust average values within the specifications for most of the sites. For metals like Cd, Cr and Cu, the concentration is higher than the continental crust value. Indices such as pollution load index, modified degree of contamination etc. were calculated from the available data. The contamination level for different site calculations showed nil to a very low degree of contamination. Spatial variation of the contamination level indicated comparatively higher values for sites UTMN-4 and SDGM-1 North, which indicates the necessity of precautionary methods. The metal concentration in the pit water samples exceeded generally accepted standards, if this water was to be discharged/leaked from the pit. The current study concluded presence of different heavy metals in samples from the drilling waste pits, whereas the degree of contamination is minute.

Heavy metal levels in water, brown algae (Cystoseira barbata), and eelgrass (Zostera marina) from the Southern Black Sea coast of Bulgaria

The heavy metals concentration in algae and marine water can be used as a bioindicator of an ecosystem pollution. In the present study, we determined the levels of the elements As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Mn, Zn, and Al in brown algae of the species Cystoseira barbata (Agardh, 1820), eelgrass Zostera marina (Linnaeus, 1753) and also in cooled seawater. The samples were collected during the summer period of 2020 from the region of the Southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Our results showed low levels of heavy metals in seawater and much higherin the studied plant species, especially of aluminum in brown algae.

Analysis of heavy metal concentrations in drinking and non-drinking water in the Bao’an and Nanshan districts

Water quality is a topic of concern in many areas around China, especially in the south-eastern parts where population is extremely dense. High concentrations of specific metals can be harmful to the general public, so it is important to observe whether these metal concentrations are within safe limits. Here, heavy metal concentrations in both direct-drinking water and running water were tested by ICP-MS in both Bao’an and Nanshan districts in Shenzhen. The manganese, copper, arsenic, selenium and cadmium concentrations were below the recommended regulatory values, but iron, zinc and lead concentrations were higher than the recommended regulatory values in certain samples in both districts. This is a potential health hazard that should be investigated further.

Heavy metal contamination in surface water of Mohammedia wetland, Morocco

Assessing heavy metal concentrations in wetlands and identifying sources of metal contamination are critical steps in protecting wetlands. Using seven sampling stations, we evaluated the spatial variation of some heavy metal concentrations in surface waters of the Mohammedia wetland and a selected segment of the El Maleh wadi that feeds the wetland. Field observations made it possible to identify and map the pollution discharged into El Maleh wadi, carrying heavy metals into the wetland. The analyses showed that the concentrations of lead, manganese, and cadmium far exceed the thresholds relating to fish life in 100% of sampling stations. All the evidence points to heavy metals contamination of surface water in Mohammedia wetland, generated by industrial activities, wastewater discharges, and leachate from the old landfill located upstream.

Influence of particle size and total organic carbon on heavy metal concentrations in sediments of Lake Baringo, Kenya

Heavy metals impair water and sediment quality and thus, can cause adverse impacts on aquatic organisms especially when they exceed the recommended threshold levels. Heavy metal concentrations in water and sediments are a reflection of the anthropogenic activities on the watershed as well as the geology of the area. Metal concentrations and subsequently their bioavailability are influenced by the sediment characteristics including particle size and total organic carbon among others. This study determined the concentration of heavy metals - cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in the sediments in relation to grain size and total organic carbon in Lake Baringo. Samples were collected from five sites using a grab sampler and analyzed for total heavy metals using AAS. Particle size classification was done using the sieve method, while organic carbon (OC) was estimated using the Loss on Ignition (L.O.I) method. One way ANOVA revealed significant difference in mean Cu concentrations amongst the sampling sites at P<0.05 (F (4, 14) =6.945 p=0.01). However, there was no significant differences in the levels of Cd and Hg, that is, F (4, 14) =0.03, p= 1.0 and F (4, 14) = 0.36 p=0.83 respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the levels of Cd and Hg. Sites with higher percentages of silt and clay recorded a higher concentration of Cd and Cu as well as percentage of TOC. The results indicated the pollution of the lake by heavy metals presented an ecological and a human health concern requiring monitoring. Key words: Sediment quality, heavy metals, particle size, total organic carbon.

Plant trait-environment trends and their conservation implications for riparian wetlands in the Yellow River

Determining the relationship between plant functional traits and the environment are key for the protection and sustainable utilization of riparian wetlands. In the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, riparian wetlands are divided into seasonal floodplain wetlands (natural) and pond-like wetlands or paddy fields (artificial). Here, species composition differences were catalogued based on plant functional traits including origin, life history, and wetland affinity in natural and artificial wetlands. Wetland physicochemical characteristics and regional socio-economic parameters collected as indicators of environmental variables were used to analyze the plant functional trait-environment relationship. The results reveal that plant functional traits in the seasonal floodplain wetland are impacted by physicochemical characteristics of habitat. The abundance of annual plants tends to decrease with concentration of heavy metals, while species diversity is mainly determined by soil physical and chemical properties, especially soil pH and temperature. Specifically, wetland-obligate species (not in water) are more resistant to heavy metal content in water than species with other types of wetland affinity. Life history strategies of species in artificial sites tend to be significantly associated with animal husbandry and artificial populations, while the wetland affinity of species is mainly determined by regional agriculture, especially the installation of agricultural covered areas. Furthermore, water quality and nutrients in suspended sediments from the Yellow River affected species diversity and life history strategies by affecting water and soil conditions of surrounding wetlands, especially conductivity and phosphorus levels.

EVALUATION OF HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATIONS IN SOIL AND WATER SAMPLES AROUND E-WASTE DUMPSITES IN OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY, AGO-IWOYE, SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

In this paper, the health implications of electronic wastes (E-Wastes) on the inhabitants of the University site at AgoIwoye, Ogun State South Western Nigeria were reported. The main goal of this study was to evaluate heavy metals concentrations in the soil around e-wastes dumpsite in soil and water samples at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun State. The heavy metal concentrations in soil and water around the e-waste dumpsites were measured and compared with international standard limits. The values recorded for soil and water were below the recommended safety limit. This is an indication that the soil and water of Olabisi Onabanjo University can be used for drinking, agricultural purposes, and construction of buildings without causing any health hazard. The results of this study revealed that the presence of heavy metals in water was not significant and in the order of increased magnitude Cd &lt; As &lt; Ni &lt; Co &lt; Zn &lt; Pb &lt; Cr &lt; Cu. However, care must be taken to face the challenges in the future for health safety.

Concentration of heavy metal in sediment, water, and fish from Ankobra and Tano River Estuaries, Ghana

Abstract. Awuah GK, Mensah JA, Fobil JN. 2020. Concentration of heavy metal in sediment, water, and fish from Ankobra and Tano River Estuaries, Ghana. Ocean Life 3: 94-101. The heavy metals arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) are all poisonous and found in nature. The increase in their concentrations, however, is a result of human activities that pose a danger to both aquatic life and humans. The researchers set out to measure the levels of arsenic (As), hexavalent chromium (Hg), and lead (Pb) in sediment, water, and fish from the Ankobra and Tano Rivers in Ghana's Western Region. That was thought to be heavily polluted due to human activity, particularly artisanal gold mining. To assess the prevalence of As, Hg, and Pb in fish and the aquatic media (water and sediment) in the Tano of Jaway Wharf - Ellenda and Ankobra River of Sanwoma basins, an analytical cross-sectional study was carried out. The Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) Pinnacle 900T was used to determine the levels of As, Hg, and Pb in the tissues (muscles) of "Ekpoke" Ctenopoma kingsleyae, "Adwene" Clarias gariepinus, "Nzerma" Pomadasys jubelini, "Bile" Parachanna obscura, "Ekpoke" Sarotherodon galilaues, "Ekpoke" Sarotherodon melanotheron, and "Senzeke" Parapenaeus longirostris (n=53), water samples (n=30), and sediment samples (n=25) (Perkin Elmer, USA). STATA version 13 and the Excel spreadsheet from Microsoft version 10 were used for the statistical Analysis (StataCorps LP, Chicago, USA). Hg, As, and Pb levels were the highest in all the analyzed locations. In general, Hg (2.09 ± 1.29 mg/kg) and As (2.80 ± 1.52 mg/kg) were found in the highest amounts in fish, next by sediment (1.40 ± 1.78 mg/kg) and (0.61 ± 0.40 mg/kg), and water (0.09 ± 0.36 mg/L) and (0.06 ± 0.05 mg/L), respectively. Sediment (1.46 ± 4.26 mg/kg), water (0.14 ± 0.10 mg/L), and fish (0.11 ± 0.11 mg/kg) all had higher Pb concentrations than the other two. The total heavy metal variability in soil, water, and fish was not different (p=0.828, 0.570, and 0.978, respectively). Concentrations of As, Hg, and Pb in river water, sediment, and fish did not differ significantly between the Ankobra and Tano Rivers. Tano and Ankobra have As and Hg concentrations higher than those considered safe by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use in freshwater habitats.

Evaluation of the aquatic environment quality of the three rivers of Western Pomerania

An assessment of the environmental quality of the three rivers of Pomerania - Czerwona, Grabowa and Wieprza - was carried out in the years 2008–2013 on the basis of water and aquatic plants analyses performed in summer along the entire length of the river. The basic chemical composition of water, metals content in water and plants was determined, and MPI and BCF were calculated.Depending on the river, the lowest amounts of cadmium and lead and the highest amounts of nickel and zinc were found in the water. In plants, regardless of the river, there was definitely the least amount of cadmium and the most zinc. Bioaccumulation (BCF) of metals was the highest in the Grabowa river and the lowest in the Wieprza, only for lead, the highest value was found in the Czerwona and the lowest in the Grabowa. The MPI for water and plants was the lowest in the Grabowa river, and the highest in the Wieprza for water and in the Czerwona for plants.It was found that the quality of rivers is similar to that of many Polish rivers, regardless of their location, and the greatest influence has the river size, flow, and pollution present in the catchment area - the Czerwona river was the most different in this respect from the other two.

Bioaccumulation and human health risk assessment of trace metals in the freshwater mussel Cristaria plicata in Dongting Lake, China

Trace metal contamination in water and bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms are human health risks of increasing concern. However, the bioaccumulation of trace metals in the organs of the mussel Cristaria plicata in Dongting Lake, China and the human health risks of mussel consumption are largely unknown. We investigated the concentrations of 15 trace metals and metalloids in surface water, sediments, and C. plicata organs (foot, gill, mantle, and visceral mass) and quantified the bioaccumulation and human health risk of these trace metals in specimens collected from Dongting Lake. The concentrations of most metals in surface water exceeded previously published background values. In contrast, the concentrations of most metals in sediments showed a decreasing trend. Overall, the metal concentrations in the gill and visceral masses of C. plicata were higher than those in the foot and mantle, and higher bioaccumulation capacities were observed for essential metals than for nonessential metals. The mean concentrations of the trace elements Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Cu, and Cr in C. plicata foot samples were lower than the threshold values established by international and Chinese organizations. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of the essential metal Mn in C. plicata foot was higher than the recommended tolerable daily intake (TDI) values for juveniles. Only Mn for juveniles and As for both juveniles and adults may pose noncarcinogenic health risks through foot consumption. The hazard index (HI) values for adults and juveniles were higher than 1, suggesting significant risks of noncarcinogenic effects to humans by exposure to multiple metals.

Assessment of Ectoparasites and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Hemichromis Fasciatus, Liza Falcipinnis and Sarotherodon Galileus

Ectoparasites and heavy metal pollution pose health risks to both wild and aquaculture fish species. Here, we examine the ectoparasites of fish species (Hemichromis fasciatus, Liza falcipinnis and Sarotherodon galileus) from Abalama and Ilelema locations of the Buguma Creek, Rivers State, Nigeria, over a period of six months (February to July, 2020). Fish tissues (muscles, gills and gut) were also examined for heavy metals (Cr, Cd and Pb). Parasitological investigations were done following standard procedures, as well as the heavy metal analysis which was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometer after dry ashing-acid digestion. Two ectoparasites were isolated: Zeylanicobdella arugamensis from L. falcipinnis at both locations and Cymothoa exigua from H. fasciatus at Ilelema. In surface water, Cr concentration was &lt;0.003µg/l throughout the study period; Cd concentrations ranged between 0.06µg/l and 0.09µg/l at both locations, while Pb values were 0.29µg/l - 0.64µg/l at Abalama, and 0.56µg/l – 0.71µg/l at Ilelema. These values were within international acceptable standards. In fish tissues, however, Cr values were &lt;0.003µg/g in both locations throughout the study period. At Abalama, Cd ranged between 7.18µg/g and 8.15µg/g, and Pb between 72.83µg/g and 92.23µg/g. At Ilelema, Cd concentrations were between 7.56µg/g and 8.67µg/g while Pb values ranged between 78.32µg/g and 92.88µg/g. Differences in heavy metal concentrations in both water and fish tissues between both locations were not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). All fish species and tissues bioaccumulated appreciable concentrations of the heavy metals. Cr in fish tissues was within permissible limits, but all Cd and Pb values exceeded international permissible limits.

Conversion of an invasive plant into a new solid phase for lead preconcentration for analytical purpose

Abstract Eichornia crassipes is an atypical plant in the various regions of the Caribbean’s Central America e South American Countries. This plant causes severe problems in the aquatic environment of these places. Thus, it is necessary to remove this plant from the aquatic ecosystem causing immense environmental benefit. One alternative is transforming this plant into a solid low-cost phase for analytical methodologies and enabling cost reduction in the analysis of environmental pollutants. Toxic metal elements like lead have not function in the human body. It is crucial to determine lows concentrations of metals in water, foods, and beverages to assess daily consumption permissibility. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), compared to more sensitive equipment, is low-cost, easy-to-operate equipment, above all high precision and specificity. Their lack of sensitivity can be overcome with a preconcentration methodology. This work aims to transform the leaves of Eichornia crassipes into a new green solid-phase and find the best extraction conditions for Pb (II) determination by solid phase extraction (SPE) online with FAAS. The leaves of the plant were collected, washed with water, dried at room temperature, oven, milled, and sifted. The solid-phase extraction parameters, such as pH, type of eluent, sample flow rate, amount of sorbent, and eluent flow rate, were optimized. An experimental factorial design 24 was applied with the sample flow, eluent flow, column mass, and volume of complexing agent. The two-dimensional central and rotating composite design was applied to the variables that obtained significance through experimental design. The elimination of a complexing agent allowed the methodology to become more compatible with the principles of green chemistry. The enrichment factor and the limit of detection were 48.5 and 2.35 μ g L−1, respectively. The method was validated with SRM 1515 certified reference material. The SPE-FAAS online methodology with a minicolumn of Eichhornia crassipes is a simple, fast, economical, safe, and eco-friendly alternative for the determination of Pb(II).

Effects of heavy metal-mediated intraspecific variation in leaf litter on the feeding preferences of stream detritivores

Plant litter inputs from terrestrial ecosystems are indispensable resources for stream ecosystems. Heavy metal pollution in the environment may indirectly affect the food webs of streams by changing the traits of leaf litter. In the present study, willow leaf litter was collected in polluted and non-polluted sites (natural willow), and leaf litter was produced in the lab by exposing willow saplings to different concentrations of heavy metals in water (cultivated willow). The collected willow leaf litter was used for feeding preference experiments with stream detritivores (shrimps and snails). Metal pollution significantly decreased the lignin concentration and toughness of litter and increased Zn and Cd concentrations. Both detritivores preferred to consume metal-enriched litter, with their consumption rates of this litter being significantly higher than those of non-enriched litter. The toughness of the willow litter was the key factor determining the feeding preferences of shrimps and snails. The detritivores that consumed metal-enriched leaf litter contained more Zn and Cd in their bodies than those that consumed non-enriched litter. The Zn and Cd concentrations in shrimp faeces were higher for shrimps that consumed metal-enriched litter than for those that consumed non-enriched litter. The heavy metal concentrations and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the water following litter consumption were significantly higher for the metal-enriched litter than for the non-enriched litter, resulting in decreased water quality in the former context. The specific resource allocation patterns that result from heavy metal pollution in the environment will have ecological consequences.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and their toxicity assessment in Mystus species.

This study was conducted on two native fish species namely Mystus vittatus and Mystus tengara inhabiting challenging environment of Yamuna River. The heavy metals concentrations in the river water were found to be as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Cd, all above the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The high metal pollution index in gill, liver, and kidney of M. vittatus was recorded compared to M. tengara. The pathology caused by the accumulation of heavy metals resulted significantly (p < 0.05) higher enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine kinase (CK) in M. tengara as compared to M. vittatus. However, albumin: globulin ratio was found to be below 0.8 in both fishes. Higher total leukocyte (TLC) (48.5 × 103/mm3), lymphocytes (40%), respiratory burst activity (1.9), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity (13.11 U/L) in M. vittatus reflect high immune response. In addition, chromosomal breakage study showed significantly (p < 0.05) low micronuclei frequency, lobed nuclei, and kidney-shaped nuclei (KSN) in M. vittatus. These results indicate that under the same challenging conditions M. vittatus have more capability of resistance and its continuous survival points towards its suitability to serve as a bioindicator than M. tengara.