Latest news with #Labeorohita
Time of India
10-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Two independent studies indicate alarming levels of silent toxins in Gujarat's lifelines
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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your donations can help this little boy see again clearly Donate For Health Donate Now Undo 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. --- 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. --- 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 --- Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists raise red flag after making disturbing discovery while studying fish: 'Significant abnormalities'
The presence of polystyrene microplastics in one of Asia's most important species of freshwater fish can cause severe complications in its overall health. In a study published in the journal Agricultural and Biological Sciences, a team of researchers revealed that the development of the Labeo rohita, or Rohu, can be greatly impacted by microplastic pollution. The researchers used a "comprehensive assessment of growth performance, hematological changes, and histopathological effects" to determine the effects of polystyrene microplastics. Over the course of a 90-day trial, the researchers fed 315 fish a range of diets that featured varied percentages of polystyrene microplastic contamination in canola meal. According to the research, Rohu fingerlings that were given food with 2.5% polystyrene microplastic contamination saw a "notable decline in growth and feed consumption." While taking a closer look with a microscopic inspection, researchers found that the gut of these fish revealed "significant abnormalities in their intestines, including villi structure disruption and increased mucus cell proliferation." As a result, the researchers concluded that "long-term polystyrene microplastic exposure may compromise fish well-being and nutritional uptake." The Rohu fish is a very important fish in many Asian countries due to its nutritional value, economic significance, and cultural relevance. The fish has a valuable source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins. As noted by the polystyrene microplastic exposure in the Rohu, microplastic pollution can have detrimental impacts on the food chain. This can disrupt vulnerable ecosystems and ultimately harm biodiversity. Polystyrene microplastics can be found in a wide number of consumer products. These include cosmetics, cleaning products, and food packaging. When these products are improperly discarded, the larger plastics can break down due to environmental factors such as weathering and sun exposure. According to a UN Environment Programme report, around 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced around the globe every year. Despite this massive amount of waste, it is estimated that just 9% of this plastic waste is recycled. The remaining plastic waste ends up in regional landfills or is discarded as litter throughout the environment. As microplastics continue to find their way into the environment, many countries are actively attempting to push back on pollution. In June 2022, a $20 million grant was awarded to the Southeast Asia Regional Program on Combating Marine Plastics. Do you think we use too much plastic in America? Definitely Only some people Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The initiative was created to reduce plastic consumption, increase recycling, and minimize the leakage of plastics into the environment in Southeast Asia. You can also do your part to help prevent plastic pollution and curb the growing wave of microplastics affecting waterways across the world. There are several ways that you can learn to turn away from plastic and find more eco-friendly options, such as using multi-use bottles and bags and supporting brands with plastic-free packaging. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
