DETERMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION OF BALLOKI HEADWORKS USING FISH AS BIOINDICATORS
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Date
2023-06-15
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DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY KINNAIRD COLLEGE FOR WOMEN UNIVERSITY LAHORE,
Abstract
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.