Neha Badyal and Arti Sharma
Abstract
In the present study concentration of heavy metals viz. lead, copper, iron and zinc were determined in water, sediments and muscles of Labeo rohita by using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results depicted seasonal and spatial fluctuations in concentration of heavy metals both in water as well as sediments with summer maxima and monsoon minima. The heavy metal concentration in water, sediments and muscles of Labeo rohita was recorded in the following order: Pb > Zn > Fe > Cu; Fe > Zn > Pb > Cu and Fe > Pb > Zn > Cu respectively. Also, on the basis of BAF, the order of accumulation of heavy metals in Labeo rohita was Fe > Cu > Pb > Zn from water and Pb > Cu > Zn > Fe from sediments. Moreover, concentration of some of the heavy metal was much higher than the permissible limit as recommended by World Health Organization, which clearly suggests that this water body needs immediate attention.