Heavy Metal Pollution in Mithi River of Mumbai

Abstract

The present study highlight the toxicity levels of different heavy metals in aquatic environment of one of the most polluted river of Mumbai-the Mithi River. Although the river has attracted tremendous attention after 26/7 flood in Mumbai, the pollution level of the river has remained neglected issue. The present study was performed for two assessment years 2009-10 and 2010-11 at three different sampling stations namely Airport, CST Kalina and BKC Taximen's Colony along the flow of Mithi River. The results of present investigation indicates that the concentration levels of most of the heavy metals like Al, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sr and Mn obtained during the assessment year 2010-11 was higher than that obtained during 2009-10 by the factor of 1.4 to 5.7 µg/L. The environmental impact of these toxic heavy metals is discussed. The results point out the need of rational planning of pollution control strategies, so as to keep check on release of toxic heavy metals in the river. It is expected that the present study will be useful for rational planning of pollution control strategies and their prioritisation; to evaluate effectiveness of pollution control measures already is existence and to assess the nature and extent of pollution control needed.

Studies on Toxic Heavy Metals in Sediment Ecosystem of Mahim Creek near Mumbai, India

“…Heavy metals are thus generally defined as those having a specific density of more than 5 g/cm 3 . Heavy metals are among the most common environmental pollutants, and their occurrence in waters and biota indicate the presence of natural or anthropogenic sources.…”

“…The famous Mithi River which is one of the most polluted river of Mumbai [1][2][3][4][5][6] drains into the creek which further drains into the Mahim Bay. It is the only Creek which balances the water level of Mumbai during heavy rainfall and during Mumbai monsoon time.…”

Pollution Discharge Scenario of Metallurgical Industries along Dombivali Industrial Belt of Mumbai, India

“…Industrial effluent contamination of natural water bodies has emerged as a major challenge in developing and densely populated countries like India [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. These effluents from industries have a great deal of influence on the pollution of the estuarine and surface water bodies, by altering the physical, chemical and biological nature of the receiving water bodies [10][11][12][13][14][15].…”

Determination of Metals in Sea Water of the Baltic Sea in Międzyzdroje

“…Heavy metal pollution is an ever increasing problem of our lakes [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61]. These toxic heavy metals entering in aquatic environment are adsorbed onto particulate matter, although they can form free metal ions and soluble complexes that are available for uptake by biological organisms [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][52][53][54][55][56][57]61].…”