Like the Yangtze dolphin, the Ganga's own could vanish next: Scientists reveal 39 toxins poisoning this endangered species
A recent scientific study has revealed dangerous levels of toxic chemicals in the Ganga river, putting the health and survival of the endangered
Gangetic dolphins
at serious risk. The study, published in the journal Heliyon by the
Wildlife Institute of India
, found that these freshwater dolphins are being exposed to harmful
endocrine-disrupting chemicals
(EDCs) through the fish they eat.
Researchers examined 39 different EDCs found in fish species that are a part of the dolphins' diet. They discovered high amounts of
industrial pollutants
like di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) accumulating in these fish. They also detected banned pesticides such as DDT and Lindane, which shows that environmental laws are not being properly enforced in the Ganga basin.
The Gangetic dolphin population has dropped by more than 50% since 1957, and their living area has shrunk by nearly 25%, even though they are India's national aquatic animal. There are only five species of river dolphins left worldwide, all of which face threats. The study warns that India could face a disaster similar to the extinction of the Yangtze River dolphin in China, caused by human activities.
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The pollution comes from many sources, including agricultural runoff, untreated industrial waste from textile factories, vehicle pollution, poor waste management, and increasing tourism in sensitive ecological areas.
EDCs are especially dangerous because they interfere with the hormonal systems and reproductive health of mammals, and they remain in the environment for a long time. While the initial toxicity risk appeared low based on standard measures, a more detailed analysis showed the dolphins are at high risk from seven key pollutants: DEHP, DnBP, DDT, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
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The study suggests urgently adding these chemicals to dolphin conservation monitoring programmes. It also calls for a national plan based on scientific research to monitor and control chemical pollution in rivers.
Though the Gangetic dolphin is protected by law under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the study stresses that legal protection must be backed by real action on pollution control to save this species.
This research, completed last year, was shared on a new portal launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which aims to provide easier access to
ecological data
and help conservation efforts.
Inputs from PTI
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