Ashim Kumar Nath and Bidita Banerjee
Abstract
Hilsa fish constitutes 15-20% of the total fish yield in Hooghly- Matlah estuary. The fish has world wide demand due to its delicious taste and good medicinal values. With a view to pollution aspect in the Hooghly River heavy metal accumulation was studied in Hilsa fish in the downstream of the river. Study reveals that cadmium and lead concentration are increasing in Hilsa gills, gonads and body muscles but well below the permissible levels as suggested by WHO. Heavy metal concentration in the water was also studied. Physico- chemical parameters of the water were assessed during study period. Cadmium and lead levels in Hilsa fish have been reported in this paper which is believed to be a great help for fish trade as well as health and safety of the people.