Pollution Research Paper

Vol 39, Issue 2, 2020; Page No.(326-333 )

HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN WATER, SEDIMENT AND FISH OF MAHI ESTUARY, GUJARAT,INDIA

HIMANI PANDEY, S. SENTHILNATHAN AND G.A. THIVAKARAN

Abstract

Spatial and temporal variations of heavy metals such as Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Hg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn concentrations in water, sediment and fish tissues were studied from estuarine area of the River Mahi in Gujarat, India for a period of two years from June 2015 to May 2017. The Study revealed heavy metal contamination in water, sediment and fish tissues beyond prescribed limits. Concentration increased upstream of Mahi estuary with station E1 at upstream recording higher concentration than E2 at downstream. Heavy metal concentration was in the order of Fe>Mn>Zn>Pb>Ni>Cu>Cd>Hg>Cr in water, Fe>Mn>Zn>Cr>Ni>Cu>Pb>Cd>Hg in sediment and Zn>Cu>Fe>Mn>Pb>Cr> Ni>Cd>Hg in fish tissues. Perceptible seasonal variation of heavy metal distribution in water, sediment and fish tissues could be observed with monsoon recording higher levels than summer. Ambient salinity and organic carbon in sediment played a major role in the distribution of metal in water and sediment. A significant linear relationship was observed between the metal concentration in fish tissues with that of water and sediment. Except Zn, all other heavy metals exceeded the permissible limit in the ambient water media and concentrations of metals viz. Pb, Zn and Cu in fish tissues were above acceptable limit of consumption. Rigorous effluent discharge measures to reverse further deterioration of this perennial River need to be implemented on priority basis.