Two independent studies indicate alarming levels of silent toxins in Gujarat's lifelines

Time of India

4 days ago

Vadodara: The Narmada and Mahi — two of Gujarat's most vital rivers — are now carrying an invisible but growing burden: toxic heavy metals and microscopic plastic debris. New scientific studies reveal that these pollutants are infiltrating the food chain, threatening aquatic biodiversity and human health alike.
In separate investigations, researchers from M S University's Department of Zoology and Navrachana University's (NUV) School of Science have detected worrying levels of contaminants in river water, sediment, and fish tissues.
The Navrachana University team examined ten sites along the Mahi River — Khandi, Dodka, Anagad, Kotna Beach, Mahi River Bridge, Sindhrot, Umraya, Dabka, Mahmadpura, and Karakhadi — analysing water samples and six fish species for six key heavy metals like nickel, chromium, lead, manganese, zinc, and arsenic.
They also analysed the water for presence of microplastics.
"The study was carried out on six adult fish species, including the Glossogobius giuris, Puntius sophore, Macrognathus aculeatus, Mugil cephalus, Labeo rohita, and Salmostoma phulo," said Dr Parth Pandya, associate professor at NUV.
"It revealed that the highest chromium metal concentration was in Salmostoma phulo and of nickel (16.66) in Labeo rohita (also known as rohu)," said Pandya, who led the team that included faculty members Monisha Kottayi, Ankita Doshi, and students — Prince Upadhyay, Rahul Ladumor, Vyomil Patel, and Tejas Gurjar.
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Zinc was consistently high across all sites, with Anagad topping the charts. while Sindhrot and Khandi were identified as the most polluted sites based on the metal pollution load index, states the study published in the reputed journal – Springer Nature.
"As carcinogenic risks from nickel and arsenic are exceeding safe thresholds, children are especially vulnerable," said Pandya, adding that the results call for urgent environmental monitoring, regulatory measures, and public health initiatives to mitigate pollution and safeguard freshwater biodiversity and community health.
The MSU team, led by Dr Dhaval Bhatt and Dr Niketa Mehta, assistant professors at the Faculty of Science, found a significant presence of microplastic particles in the stomachs of two important fish species inhabiting the estuarine belt of the Narmada river.
"We carried out the study on the mullet fish (mugil cephalus, also known as boi) and the mudskipper (levati) fish Boleophthalmus dussumieri. These fish species are not only economically but also ecologically important.
They act as the middle link in the food chain," said Bhatt, who supervised the study carried out by MSc final year students — Priyanshu Kumar and Yashvi Reshamkar.
"Though common, mullet fish found in the Narmada river's estuarine belt is highly useful for agriculture, fishing, and as a local food. It obtains nutrients from the bottom. We collected 100 samples of mullet fish, after which their digestive tract was analysed.
Surprisingly, microplastic particles were found in every sample — the total number ranged from 33 to 96, and an average of 61.5 particles were found per fish," said Bhatt.
The study on mudskipper also revealed shocking results. Mudskipper is a unique type of amphibious fish that lives on both land and water and has a slime coating on its body.
"During the study, 274 microplastic particles were recorded, with an average of 5.48 particles per fish.
Mudskippers mainly feed on algae, organic matter, and detritus from mud, and are constantly in contact with the bottom. Therefore, they are more sensitive to the effects of microplastics," he said.
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BOX: What are microplastics?
Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. The widespread use of plastics and their non-degradable nature have turned microplastics into a serious environmental challenge globally.
Microplastics not only cause damage to aquatic life but also act as carriers of toxic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms.
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POINTERS 1: TOXIC PLASTIC PERIL IN NARMADA ESTUARY FISH
Narmada estuary — a vital meeting point of salt and fresh water — is facing heavy pollution pressure
Human settlements, industries, and farm runoff contribute to contamination
Microplastics found in Mugil cephalus (mullet) and Boleophthalmus dussumieri (mudskipper)
Both fish are bottom-feeders, increasing exposure to plastic particles
All 100 mullet fish tested contained microplastics — average 61.5 particles per fish
Majority of particles were pieces (52.6%) and filaments (35.8%)
Main sources: household laundry and fishing nets
Black particles dominated (62.7%), mostly from tyres, rubber, packaging
82% of particles were smaller than 2 mm — indicating long-term ingestion
Common polymers detected: polyurethane (PU), polyamide, polystyrene —mainly used in foam packaging, footwear, and construction products
Mudskippers contained 274 microplastic particles in total — average 5.48 per fish
Most particles in mudskippers were 0.5–1 mm in size
POINTERS 2: MAHI'S HIDDEN HEAVY METAL POLLUTION CRISIS
Alarming levels of heavy metals and microplastics detected in the Mahi
Zinc concentrations (0.104–0.204 ppm) found across 10 locations; Anagad highest
Sindhrot and Khandi (near Vadodara) ranked most polluted on the metal pollution index
Fish salmostoma phulo showed highest chromium bioconcentration
Labeo rohita (rohu) had highest nickel accumulation
Microplastics (0.5–4 mm) detected in both water and fish
Plastic types: threads (56%), fragments (31%), films (13%)
Common polymers: polypropylene, polystyrene, polyacrylic, nylon
Nickel and arsenic levels above safe limits — children at high risk
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