Concentration of metals in fishes from Thane and Bassein creeks of Bombay, India

Abstract

Concentration of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and Ni in different tissues of 10 species of fishes from Thane and Bassein creeks were estimated for a period of 15 months. The trend in bioaccumulation indicated that irrespective of species Cu and Zn contributed 42-58% to the total metals accumulated. Maximum concentration of all metals was found either in liver or in alimentary canal with lowest level in muscle tissue. Though metal accumulation was found to be species specific maximum concentrations were found in bottom feeders, compared to plankton feeders and other pelagic carnivores. In general, fish from Bassein creek showed higher concentration of metals than those colected from Thane creek. As Thane-Bassein creek system experiences stress due to anthropogenic waste input the present baseline data can be used for future monitoring and comparison of the ecosystem.