Influence of summer hydrochemistry on heavy metal levels in Sindaphana River

Bioaccumulation studies not only reveal the degree of environmental contamination but also help identify dominant exposure pathways and potential sources of pollution. The study reports the concentrations and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in water and selected fish tissues from the Sindaphana River, Maharashtra, during the summer season 2024. Fish tissues, including liver, gill, and muscle, were analysed for Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Nickel (Ni) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICPMS). Comparison with WHO/FAO permissible limits observed that Mercury levels in fish tissues (0.0005-0.02 mg/kg) were well below the safe limit of 0.5 mg/kg, while Arsenic (0.02-0.12 mg/kg) slightly exceeded the permissible limit in a few samples. Lead (0.27-2.3 mg/kg) and Nickel (1.0-6.4 mg/kg) concentrations in fish tissues were consistently above safe limits, indicating severe contamination. Cadmium levels were mostly within limits but exceeded 0.05 mg/kg in some tissues. Water samples also showed elevated concentrations of Arsenic (0.0606 mg/L), Lead (0.572 mg/L), and Nickel (1.31 mg/L), exceeding WHO drinking water standards. Tissue-specific accumulation followed the trend Liver > Gill > Muscle, with the liver exhibiting the highest metal concentrations. The results indicate significant contamination of the Sindaphana River with toxic heavy metals, posing potential health risks to local communities upon regular consumption of fish. The study provides baseline data for environmental monitoring and highlights the need for mitigation strategies to protect aquatic ecosystems and human health.