Effect of heavy metals on the gonads of Osteobrama vigorsii (Sykes,1839) from Nira River Bhor. Maharashra (India)
Nirbhay Sudhir Pimple*
Department of Zoology, Abasaheb Garware College karve road Pune-411004 India *Corresponding author: nirbhay.pimpale@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Pollution of heavy metals poses a threat to the aquatic environment and its inhabitants where their concentration exceeds safe limits. Heavy metals cause toxins in fish because of their non-perishable properties and their long-lasting persistence in the environment. Current work investigates the effect of heavy metals. Many heavy metals are considered to be important components that enhance the growth and utilization of a fish feeder but when they exceed the maximum tolerable limit these metals not only pose a health risk to fish but also for human consumers and disruption of environmental systems. Decreased gonadosomatic index (GSI), fecundity, fertilization success, abnormal shape of the reproductive organs, and ultimately failure in fish reproduction is due to heavy metal toxicity. Histopathological changes in the gonads have been investigated for exposure to various contaminants. It was concluded that cases of gonadal abnormalities in the form of deformed oocytes, a decrease in their numbers and a lack of functional oogenesis have been observed. According to the results, the habitat is thought to be in a state of pollution because deformities in the early stages of oocytes have been observed. It is a serious threat to biodiversity. The current work sheds light on the gonadal aspect of fish exposed to heavy metals through polluted water body and seeks to raise sensitivity to the prevention and control of fresh water pollution, especially of heavy metals.