Heavy Metal Accumulation in Some Fishes Preferred for Consumption by Egrets in Odisha, India

Abstract

The reduction of wetlands due to the increase of urbanization and industrialization has been an emerging global concern and is a threat to the fish population. Fishes have been proved as excellent indicators of heavy metal contamination of the aquatic ecosystems. The present research aims to determine the metal accumulation in fishes of different wetlands. Fish samples were collected for analysis of different metals like lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Pb concentration varies from 0.41-44.33 µg/g and found to be highest at Hirakud, whereas Cr, Cu and Zn were highest at Koraput which vary from 1.3-10.36 µg/g, 1.29-4.17 µg/g and 20.97-54.99 µg/g, respectively.

Keywords

• environment