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VOL. 11, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Heavy metal bioaccumulation evaluation among the freshwater fish of Godavari River Basin and its physio-biochemical effects
Authors
Dr. Ratna Vyankat Kirtane
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution in freshwater ecosystems
is a serious environmental threat owing to its persistence, toxicity, and
bioaccumulative characteristics. This study assesses the species-specific
accumulation of heavy metals and the corresponding physiological effects in
freshwater fish from the Godavari River basin. Fish samples were collected from
three sampling cites: upstream, midstream, and downstream sites, representing
diverse pollution gradients. Three frequently ingested species, Labeo rohita,
Catla catla, and Oreochromis mossambicus, were chosen for
analysis of gill, liver, and muscle tissues. The concentrations of lead (Pb),
cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and zinc (Zn) exhibited a consistent
tissue-specific hierarchy (liver > gill > muscle). Species-specific analysis
indicated greater accumulation in Oreochromis mossambicus (Pb: 3.4 ± 0.8
mg/kg; Cd: 1.5 ± 0.4 mg/kg; Zn: 68 ± 13 mg/kg in liver), succeeded by Catla
catla and Labeo rohita. Spatial variation revealed that in
downstream areas, the metal concentrations were much higher (Pb: 3.12 ± 0.81
mg/kg) as compare to upstream areas metal concentrations (0.92 ± 0.25 mg/kg).
This indicates that people have had a big effect on the environment with
respect to heavy metal water pollution. Hematological experimentation revealed a
significant reduction in blood hemoglobin (11.2 ± 0.9 to 6.8 ± 1.0 g/dL) and
red blood cell counts (2.8 ± 0.4 to 1.4 ± 0.2 ×10⁶/mm³), accompanied by an
elevation in white blood cell counts (32 ± 8 to 104 ± 18 ×10³/mm³). Biochemical
characteristics indicated increased oxidative stress, as evidenced by catalase
activity rising to 96.3 ± 14.8 U/mg protein and lipid peroxidation measuring at
8.7 ± 1.9 nmol MDA/mg protein. These findings demonstrate that fish are
accumulating significant toxins and experiencing considerable stress,
highlighting ecological dangers and potential health risks associated with
consuming fish from the Godavari River basin.
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Pages:16-20
How to cite this article:
Dr. Ratna Vyankat Kirtane "Heavy metal bioaccumulation evaluation among the freshwater fish of Godavari River Basin and its physio-biochemical effects". International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research, Vol 11, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 16-20
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