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Research Paper | Environmental Biology | India | Volume 12 Issue 12, December 2023 | Rating: 4.7 / 10

Assessment of Elemental Accumulation in Gastropods Inhabiting River Ganga Upstream and Downstream Sites: A Biomonitoring Approach

Arunava Ghosh | Tapan Kumar Chatterjee ^[6]

Abstract: The present study was attempted to estimate the elemental accumulation (Pb, Cd and Cr) in shell and soft part of gastropod species (Lymnaea luteola Lamarck) at bank of river Ganga near Berhampur site (upstream) compared to Chakdaha site (downstream), West Bengal. These metals were estimated in the water, sediment and tissues of gastropod specimens by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) during pre and post-monsoon seasons. For water concentration, Pb, Cd and Cr were observed within the permissible limits. The metals content in the sediment was exceeded the permissioble limits. The data on Pb, Cd and Cr content (mg/Kg) in the sediment in which the value was increased significantly (P<0.001) in two sites of downstream when compared to upstream sites during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season. The values of Pb, Cd and Cr metals (mg/Kg) in hard shell and soft parts samples were observed significantly (P<0.001 and P<0.01) higher in downstream sites (S3 and S4) compared to upstream sites (S1 and S2) during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The bio-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) in which the values of BSAF were maximum in S2 site for Pb element in shell and soft parts of gastropods during post-monsoon season. higher concentrations of toxic elements viz. Pb, Cd and Cr in this bioindicator species is a cause of concern. It is suggested regular monitoring of water and sediment quality in future along with other gastropod species around the point sources near the study sites.

Keywords: Biomonitoring, Toxic elements, Bioaccumulation, Gastropods, Ganga river

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 12, December 2023,

Pages: 1529 - 1533