Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

HEAVY METALS IN THE ABIOTIC AND BIOTIC COMPONENTS OF THANE CREEK, INDIA

R.P. Athalye, Vidya Mishra, Goldin Quadros, Vidya Ullal and K.S. Gokhale

Abstract

Metals like Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr 8( As in different components of Thane creek were studied during I 991-94.The results showed that water had metals higher than the permissible limits except in Cu & Zn.The biotic components allowed accumulation of essential metals Fe, Zn & Cu, whereas they regulated toxic trace metals As, Cr & Pb. However lead contents of these components, especially prawn (Metopenaeus monoceros) and fish (Mystus gulio and Mugil cephalus) were found almost reaching the permissible limits. Zn had maximum accumulation in the prawn, Cu accumulated maximum in polychaetes, whereas, Pb, Fe,As & Cr accumulated maximum in phytoplankton.The detritus food chain (sediment --> polychaete & prawn -->, Fish M. gulio) showed higher bioaccummulation as compared to grazing food chain (water —> phytoplankton --> fish M. cephalus).A comparison of metal levels with the data of 1984-85 revealed increase in Cu, Zn, Pb (except lowering of Cu in sediment and prawn) suggesting deteriorating status of the creek.