Comparative Study of Lead and Cadmium Levels in Freshwater Fishes

Abstract

Water pollution is one of the major environmental problem in the world. Fishes have a natural tendency to accumulate heavy metals in their bodies. Among the various toxic heavy metals, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are most widely dispersed metals in the environment and also create global concern due to causing potential hazards to public health. Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were determined in edible tissues of some economically important freshwater fishes, collected from the various markets of Agra region and analysed for their contamination. Highest concentrations were observed in summer followed by winter and rainy seasons. The frequency of heavy metal contamination was higher in Labio rohita than other fish commodities. It was concluded that the levels of metals were different but within the maximum residue levels recommended by National and International standards. Findings of the present study have also been corroborated with some other national and International studies.