Browsing by Author "MAH NOOR, FIZZA HAFEEZ, NADE ALI"

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    DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION OF BALLOKI HEADWORKS USING FISH AS BIOINDICATORS
    (DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY KINNAIRD COLLEGE FOR WOMEN UNIVERSITY LAHORE,, 2023-06-15) MAH NOOR, FIZZA HAFEEZ, NADE ALI
    Fishes are aquatic chordates, known to inhabit the freshwater and marine ecosystem for millions of years. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors and are an important source of food for humans and other animals. The aim of this research was to determine the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in gills, skin and muscles of fish. For this purpose fish samples were collect from Balloki Headworks. For heavy metal detection in the samples of skin, gills and muscle tissues of fishes were burn to ashes in the muffle furnace at 600°C for 2 hours respectively and then acid digested with Nitric and Sulphuric acid in (1:1 ratio). Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to analyze the digested samples after filtering them to remove any solid particles. The results obtained were compare with standard stock solution values. The analyzed values were then matched with the standard permissible limits recommended by World Health Organization. Experimental results further showed that all the studied metals Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, and Manganese were present in excessive amount in gills, skin, muscle tissues and water samples of Balloki Headworks and value of Zinc is negligible in gills, skin, muscle tissues and water samples of Balloki Headworks. The reason for the remarkable low observed concentration of Zinc may be its least solubility in ground water and formation of an insoluble shielding layer. Fish are excellent pollution indicators as they accumulate toxins and pollutants from their environment in their tissues. Heavy metal analysis in fish is an important process to ensure food safety and protect public health. Balloki Headworks is a major source of drinking water and use for agricultural practices in nearby areas like Lahore and Kasur. This research will help to identify presence of heavy metals in water of Balloki Headworks and assess the risks to human health, aquatic organisms and the environment.