Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 29, Issue 1, 2023; Page No.(498-507)

BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN ORGANS OF FRESHWATER FISH OREOCHROMIS MOSSAMBICUS COLLECTED FROMTWO SITES OF UJANI BACKWATERS

S.P. Chordiya and N.E. Chandanshive

Abstract

In the present study, an attempt has been made to compare the bioaccumulation of some heavymetals inthe different tissues of the most common fish Oreochromis mossambicus collected from two sites of Ujanibackwaters during three seasons of the year. The backwater of Ujani dam is a major resource of freshwaterfishes to local population, where fishery is practiced on large scale. It is essential to conduct a survey of thebioaccumulation pattern of toxic heavy metals such as Hg, Pb, Cu, and Zn in the fish species commonlyconsumed by people in this region. The survey was carried out during three seasons of the year. Theaccumulated 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 thehighly urbanized and industrial city of Pune that convey huge quantum of effluents in the water of tributariesof Bhima. Such study has immense importance as fishes are consumed by a large percentageof the peoplein the area of backwaters. This study would also provide a roadmap for researchers and policymakers toidentify and implement effective and sustainable measures to counteract the increasing trends of pollutionlevels in natural ecosystems.