The Impact of Anthropogenic Activities and Water Pollution on the Fish Diversity and Ecosystem Health of the Chenab River in the Punjab Region of Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The Chenab River, a major waterway in the Punjab region, is subject to various anthropogenic activities that threaten its ecological integrity. Industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and urbanization have altered the water quality and affected the river's fish diversity, raising concerns about the long-term health of the river's ecosystem and its implications for human health. Objective: This study aimed to quantify the impact of human activities and water pollution on fish diversity and ecosystem health in the Chenab River. It sought to identify significant pollutants and assess their correlations with ecological indicators. Methods: A comprehensive quantitative analysis was conducted using secondary data spanning ten years. Descriptive statistics were calculated for various environmental parameters, including industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, urbanization rate, water pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and concentrations of heavy metals, nitrates, and phosphates. Correlation and regression analyses were employed to explore the relationships between these parameters and fish species richness and abundance. Results: The study revealed a mean industrial discharge of 584.43 tonnes and agricultural runoff of 290.82 tonnes. Water quality parameters fluctuated with a mean pH of 7.65 and dissolved oxygen levels averaging 8.38 mg/L. Fish species richness exhibited a mean of 49.30 with a standard deviation of 20.842, while fish abundance had a mean of 3089.16 with a standard deviation of 1256.84. Regression analysis showed dissolved oxygen as a significant predictor of fish abundance (p = .051), whereas turbidity and heavy metals had a negative impact, though not statistically significant (p = .100 and p = .092, respectively). Conclusion: The Chenab River's fish diversity and ecosystem health are influenced by anthropogenic pollution, with dissolved oxygen emerging as a critical factor for maintaining fish populations. The findings suggest a need for targeted environmental regulations to improve water quality and protect aquatic life, which is inextricably linked to human health and livelihoods.