Analysis of heavy metals in water, sediment and selected fishes of River Sutlej, Punjab, India

Aim : The study aimed to assess the influence of heavy metal pollution in river Sutlej around the industrial city of Ludhiana. Methodology : Samples of water, sediment and commercially important selected fish species were collected before (S-1) and after (S-2) the confluence of Buddah Nallah in river Sutlej for the estimation of heavy matals using Atomic Absorption Mass Spectrometer, equipped with transverse graphite furnace tube for electro thermal determination of lead, copper, chromium and zinc. Results : The water, sediment and fish samples collected from the site, S-2 showed higher concentration of heavy metals compared site S-1. All the metals studied were found within the permissible limit of different National and International agencies, except for the lead which was found above the permissible limit in fish, Wallago attu. Interpretation : The results reveal that river Sutlej around Ludhiana city is under severe threat of pollution due to the discharge of industrial effluents from the Buddha Nallah.