Heavy Metal Accumulation and Health Risk Assessment in the Puddles of Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, India

The present investigation examined the levels of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd) in various water bodies located in the districts of Rajapalayam, Sivakasi, and Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu, India. It also examined changes in the hematological and physiological traits of several freshwater fish, such as Oreochromis mossambicus, Catla catla, Mystus aor and Channa striata, in addition to the levels of heavy metal accumulation in these fish. An industrial zone in full swing, full of power plants, failed companies, and hundreds of band-aids. Eight randomly chosen locations, both inside and outside the city, were used for the sample. According to the study's conclusions, the water samples from the Sengulam and Vadakarai ponds contained higher levels of lead than were allowed by both national and international rules. Some ponds’ water tests revealed lead levels below permissible bounds. The investigation findings demonstrated that the levels of Cd (0.007 ppm) Cu (1.0 ppm), and Zn (15.00 ppm) in each water sample were within allowable limits. The build-up of Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd buildup in the gills, muscles, and bones of O. mossambicus, C. catla, M. aor and C. striata. Pb levels were higher than permitted (0.29 ppm) in the muscle, bone, and gills of O. mossambicus, C. catla, M. aor, and C. striata. Less zinc than allowed (5.00 ppm) was found in the muscles, gills, and bones of O. mossambicus, C. catla, M. aor, and C. striata. Cu concentrations were below the permissible limit (0.5 ppm) in the bones, gills and muscles of O. mossambicus, C. catla, M. aor, and C. striata. Multiple sections of O. mossambicus, C. catla, and M. aor had Cd levels over the permissible limit of 0.05 ppm. In C. striata, Cd accumulates in the muscle above and the gills and bone below. The natives have used this water for domestic and fishing needs. Given the rate at which heavy metal concentrations increase, it appears that both fishing and water consumption can be avoided. District and government authorities should take the appropriate action in these areas and additional measures aimed at lowering the concentration of heavy metal concentrations through the use of innovative and alternative technologies.