<p>Freshwater bodies are a vital resource for humans, yet they are threatened by numerous factors, many of which remain unidentified. In this study, we assessed the concentrations of seven heavy metals (HMs) in forty-eight water samples and analyzed their correlation with zooplankton populations and human health risks at four sub-divisional sites in West Bengal, India. Sampling was conducted throughout the year. We used indices based on HMs and zooplankton to evaluate human health risks. The results revealed that the total taxonomic richness of zooplankton (Rotifera, Copepoda, and Branchiopods) was 72 species, with Rotifera richness 25, Copepoda 37, and Branchiopods 10 species. These results demonstrated a negative correlation between zooplankton abundance and HMs concentration, highlighting zooplankton’s potential as significant indicator species. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between HMs concentration and zooplankton abundance (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05). Among the four sub-divisional areas studied, Haldia exhibited the highest level of heavy metal pollution, with 40.47% of heavy metals posing potential health risks (HQ &gt; 1) to both adults and children due to industrial effluent compared to the other study sites. Overall, the Metal Index and Nemerow Pollution Index indicated that 83.34% and 97.92% of water samples, respectively, were contaminated by heavy metals. Among the heavy metals, Nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) were identified as having the highest health risk potential for both groups. The Health Hazard Index (HI) values suggested that children are at higher risk (HI &gt; 1) compared to adults. Specifically, the HQ-ingestion rate was higher in children, while the HQ-dermal (HQd) contamination was higher in adults. Throughout the assessment period, both children and adults were found to be at potential health risk from heavy metals. These findings provide baseline information crucial for addressing environmental health risks and promoting sustainable practices.</p>

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Integrated zooplankton and heavy metal analysis as indicators of pollution threats in freshwater ecosystems of West Bengal

  • Sk Saruk Islam,
  • Tilak Das,
  • Pravat Kumar Shit,
  • Sujoy Midya

摘要

Freshwater bodies are a vital resource for humans, yet they are threatened by numerous factors, many of which remain unidentified. In this study, we assessed the concentrations of seven heavy metals (HMs) in forty-eight water samples and analyzed their correlation with zooplankton populations and human health risks at four sub-divisional sites in West Bengal, India. Sampling was conducted throughout the year. We used indices based on HMs and zooplankton to evaluate human health risks. The results revealed that the total taxonomic richness of zooplankton (Rotifera, Copepoda, and Branchiopods) was 72 species, with Rotifera richness 25, Copepoda 37, and Branchiopods 10 species. These results demonstrated a negative correlation between zooplankton abundance and HMs concentration, highlighting zooplankton’s potential as significant indicator species. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between HMs concentration and zooplankton abundance (P < 0.05). Among the four sub-divisional areas studied, Haldia exhibited the highest level of heavy metal pollution, with 40.47% of heavy metals posing potential health risks (HQ > 1) to both adults and children due to industrial effluent compared to the other study sites. Overall, the Metal Index and Nemerow Pollution Index indicated that 83.34% and 97.92% of water samples, respectively, were contaminated by heavy metals. Among the heavy metals, Nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) were identified as having the highest health risk potential for both groups. The Health Hazard Index (HI) values suggested that children are at higher risk (HI > 1) compared to adults. Specifically, the HQ-ingestion rate was higher in children, while the HQ-dermal (HQd) contamination was higher in adults. Throughout the assessment period, both children and adults were found to be at potential health risk from heavy metals. These findings provide baseline information crucial for addressing environmental health risks and promoting sustainable practices.