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Haematological Variations of Etroplus Suratensis with Respect to Heavy Metal Contamination in Two Distinct Regions of Vembanadu Estuary, South-West Coast of India.
Authors: Kannan, V.M., Renjini, P., Gopikrishna V.G., Binsh, M.B., Mahesh Mohan
Number of views: 411
The anthropogenic release of pollutants, to the aquatic ecosystem, can cause severe damage to the flora and fauna of that ecosystem. Fish is a key unit in many natural food webs, but the effects of organic and inorganic pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers and suspended solids alter the water quality and may cause many problems to these organisms, such as diseases and structural alterations. Haematological parameters can be considered as a valuable tool to understand the alterations of physiological status of the fish. Vembanad ecosystem is considered as a highly productive zone, and has been divided into two distinct regions by Thannermukkom barriage. The northern part is more prone to pollution from industrial sector. The present study analysed some haematological parameters along with the heavy metal contents and found that elevated concentrations of Zn and Pb in fish tissue in Cochin estuary (northern part) than Kumarakom. The concentrations were higher than permissible limit recommended by WHO. The result of the haematological analysis has showed considerable variation between the two sites. A positive statistical correlation was observed between the haematological parameters and heavy metals especially Cd.