Ulhas river estuary (73°14′E, 19°14′N to 72°54′E, 19°17′N) and Thane creek (72°55′E, 19°N to 73°E, 19°15′N) near Mumbai, India are highly polluted owing to the heavy load of industrial pollutants and sewage discharge. The traditional fisher-folk living along the banks of Ulhas river estuary and Thane Creek rely on these contaminated fish for their daily sustenance, thereby being exposed to heavy mercury pollution for several years. However, little attention has been given to the levels of mercury in water, its intake and exposure to those populations. In the present study, mercury levels in the waters of Ulhas river estuary and Thane creek has been analysed and its relation with other physico-chemical parameters have been studied. Mercury level was maximum in Wehele station and Alimgarh station with an average of 8.57 ng/ml and minimum at Diwe-Kewni station with 2.6 ng/ml. Vittawa and Airoli stations along Thane creek showed moderate levels with an average of 5.71 ng/ml. The reference site, Khadavli had Hg below the level of detection in the water samples. Study on Hg levels in water showed proximity to the source of discharge to be the prime factor for its elevated levels. Mercury in water depicted positive correlations with temperature and BOD and negative correlations with pH, salinity, hardness and DO.DOI: 10.3126/on.v8i1.4325
The fish of Thane Creek and Ulhas River Estuary are contaminated with mercury. The traditional fishing folks residing along these water sources consume large amounts of these fish for their sustenance, therefore, being vulnerable to mercury poisoning. A survey on the clinical signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning was carried out in Wehele, Alimgarh and Diwe-Kewni along Ulhas River Estuary and Vittawa and Airoli along Thane creek. Fortunately, no alarming signals of mercury poisoning could be detected in these populations. Genetic make-up and/or use of onion and garlic in the fish preparations could be the probable detoxifying factors in these populations. However, these populations being vulnerable to mercury poisoning, continuous monitoring is recommended in these areas.
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