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Business Standard
17-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Study flags chemical contamination risk to endangered Gangetic dolphins
A scientific study has revealed alarming levels of toxic chemicals in the Ganga river, threatening the health and survival of the endangered Gangetic dolphins. Published in the journal 'Heliyon', the study by the Wildlife Institute of India found that these freshwater mammals are being exposed to a hazardous cocktail of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) through their diet. The researchers analysed the dietary exposure risks of 39 EDCs in fish species consumed by Gangetic dolphins. The findings indicate significant bioaccumulation of industrial pollutants such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) in the prey base of the dolphins. Residues of banned pesticides like DDT and Lindane (HCH) were also detected, pointing to poor enforcement of environmental regulations in the Ganga basin. The Gangetic dolphin population has declined by over 50 per cent since 1957, and their range has shrunk by nearly a quarter, despite being designated as India's national aquatic animal. With only five species of river dolphins left globally, all of them threatened, the study warned that India could risk a repeat of the Yangtze River tragedy, where a similar species went extinct due to unchecked human activities. The study attributes the contamination to several sources: runoff from agriculture, untreated industrial effluents from the textile sector, vehicular emissions, poor solid waste management, and rising tourism in ecologically sensitive areas. The effects of EDCs are particularly worrisome as they can disrupt hormonal systems and reproductive functions in mammals, and persist in the ecosystem for long periods. Although toxicity risk quotients based on standard values were found to be low, when analysed against the reference dose --? a more realistic measure of exposure risk --? the dolphins were at a high risk from seven key pollutants -- DEHP, DnBP, DDT, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The study recommended the urgent inclusion of these chemicals in dolphin conservation-monitoring programmes and calls for a scientifically informed national framework to assess and regulate chemical contamination in river ecosystems. The Gangetic dolphin is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, but the study stresses that protection on paper must translate into actionable policy and pollution control if the species is to survive. The research from last year was among several key documents unveiled on a new portal launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to promote access to ecological data and conservation insights.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo 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). Live Events 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
The Print
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Print
Study flags chemical contamination risk to endangered Gangetic dolphins
The researchers analysed the dietary exposure risks of 39 EDCs in fish species consumed by Gangetic dolphins. Published in the journal 'Heliyon', the study by the Wildlife Institute of India found that these freshwater mammals are being exposed to a hazardous cocktail of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) through their diet. New Delhi, May 17 (PTI) A scientific study has revealed alarming levels of toxic chemicals in the Ganga river, threatening the health and survival of the endangered Gangetic dolphins. The findings indicate significant bioaccumulation of industrial pollutants such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) in the prey base of the dolphins. Residues of banned pesticides like DDT and Lindane (γ-HCH) were also detected, pointing to poor enforcement of environmental regulations in the Ganga basin. The Gangetic dolphin population has declined by over 50 per cent since 1957, and their range has shrunk by nearly a quarter, despite being designated as India's national aquatic animal. With only five species of river dolphins left globally, all of them threatened, the study warned that India could risk a repeat of the Yangtze River tragedy, where a similar species went extinct due to unchecked human activities. The study attributes the contamination to several sources: runoff from agriculture, untreated industrial effluents from the textile sector, vehicular emissions, poor solid waste management, and rising tourism in ecologically sensitive areas. The effects of EDCs are particularly worrisome as they can disrupt hormonal systems and reproductive functions in mammals, and persist in the ecosystem for long periods. Although toxicity risk quotients based on standard values were found to be low, when analysed against the reference dose – a more realistic measure of exposure risk – the dolphins were at a high risk from seven key pollutants — DEHP, DnBP, DDT, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The study recommended the urgent inclusion of these chemicals in dolphin conservation-monitoring programmes and calls for a scientifically informed national framework to assess and regulate chemical contamination in river ecosystems. The Gangetic dolphin is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, but the study stresses that protection on paper must translate into actionable policy and pollution control if the species is to survive. The research from last year was among several key documents unveiled on a new portal launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to promote access to ecological data and conservation insights. PTI UZM MNK MNK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
