UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

The present study aimed to monitor heavy metal concentrations in commonly consumed fishes, Mudskipper (Boleophthalmus boddarti) and Mullet (Mugil cephalus) from Panvel Creek, District Raigad, Maharashtra, West Coast of India using the US-EPA Method and analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP- AES). Concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn). It is reported that the extent of metal concentrations in muscle, gills, and liver tissue of fishes is varied considerably. In mudskipper, the hierarchy of the metals can be ranked as: Hg > Cu > Ni > Zn > Pb > Cd; whereas in mullet, it is in the order of Hg > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cd. Exceptionally high levels of heavy metals were observed in mullet and are attributed to the habitat and feeding behavior of this species. Comparatively, lower levels of metals are recorded in mudskippers and may be due to the diet, feeding habits and migration routes. The coastal communities along the Panvel creek are dependent on unprocessed marine fish. Therefore, consumption of contaminated marine food is the major route of human exposure to toxic elements. This study recommends the periodic monitoring of coastal water, sediment, and marine biota for the extent of bioaccumulation of metals. Further, the findings of the present work should be used as baseline data for future assessment of metal pollution in the marine biota from Panvel creek and also for the better management of the coastal ecosystem and the safety of human beings.