Research Article
Ipsita Mazumdar, Adelene Basu
Abstract
The concentrations of lead were determined in four species of common consumable carps (T. mossambicus, C. mrigela, K. katla and L. rohita.) from east Kolkata Wetlands and Titagarh aquaculture ponds, which are associated with industrial and sewage discharges in Kolkata, India. Concentration of lead in these fishes was significantly higher than those cultured at the control site, and also showed significant seasonal trend, being more in the pre-monsoon than the post-monsoon season. Bioaccumulation pattern of lead in different species of fishes was : T. mossambicus >C. mrigela>K. katla >L. rohita. The total lead concentration in study sites was significantly higher than the control area, which suggested a corelation between lead bioaccumulation and sewage fed aquaculture. The study indicates that increased awareness is needed for monitoring of lead content in fish cultured in sewege aquaculture zones & a safe consumption policy is important to avoid toxicity related to chronic lead poisoning.