ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONTENT IN ORGANS OF EDIBLE FISH SPECIES OF RIVER RAVI IN PAKISTAN

J. Shafi*, Z. S. Mirza, N. Kosour and M. Zafarullah

Fisheries Research and Training Institute, Manawan, Lahore, Pakistan

*Corresponding author’s Email: javairiamalik@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Present study was conducted to investigate the content of toxic heavy metals; lead, cadmium, manganese, nickel and zinc in organs of edible fish of River Ravi. Samples of Labeo rohita, Cyprinus carpio, Gibelion catla and Cirrhinus mrigala were captured from two sites at River Ravi i.e. Kala Khatai and Head Balloki. Zinc and lead content was higher in organs of fish specimens collected from Head Balloki than those collected from Village Kala Khatai. Higher average cadmium content was detected in most of the organs of fish collected from Head Balloki than those of Village Kala Khatai. However, higher average manganese content was found in examined organs of fish captured from Village Kala Khatai than those of Head Balloki. Lead and cadmium content in muscles of fish collected from Head Balloki was higher than acceptable level proposed by European Commission (0.2 µg/g and 0.05 µg/g, respectively). Hepatosomatic index of fish species (except L. rohita) collected from Head Balloki was lower than those of Village Kala Khatai. Study has led to the conclusion that edible fish of River Ravi is contaminated with toxic metals and contamination level is higher in fish at Head Balloki as compared to that observed at Village Kala Khatai.

Keywords: Bioaccumulation, health hazards, pollution load, River Ravi