Bioaccumulation of Trace Metals in Tissues of Rohu Fish for Environmental Risk Assessment

In the present study, the two lakes, Vengaiahlake (Lake A-Sewage polluted receiving discharge from storm water drain) and YellamallappaChetty lake (Lake B-Industrially polluted) situated near Krishnarajpuram-Hoskotetaluk, Bangalore, Karnataka were selected for analysis of trace metals viz., arsenic,aluminium, cadmium, lead, mercury, iron, copper and zinc in water samples. Muscleand gill tissues of freshwater fish Labeorohita reared in these water bodies were analysed for bioaccumulation of tracemetals. Hebbal fish farm was considered as a reference site (Control site) for waterand fish samples. Trace metals were analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy andvalues 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 lakeB which is attributed to the differences in the sources of pollutants. Fish tissuesviz., muscle and gills sampled from Lake B exhibited high concentration of Al, Pband Cd content showing a positive correlation with their concentration in watersamples. The remaining metals as Cu, Zn and Fe were detected in water sampled fromall water bodies and also in the fish tissues. Gills exhibited higher concentrationof metals in fish from lake B. Bioaccumulation of these trace metals in fish tissuesmay cause potential danger to human health when consumed on regular basis. Thusnecessary remedial measures are required to combat water contamination and its managementkeeping in view the aquatic ecosystem and public health. Values were statisticallysignificant at P < 0.0001