Journal of Natural Science and Exploration
Bioaccumulation and Distribution of Lead (Pb) and Cobalt (Co) in Aquatic Ecosystem Components of the Subarnarekha River at Domuhani, Jamshedpur
Abstract
Ashok Kumar Shaw, Anjna P.V. Khalkho, Shovit Ranjan, Nitish Kumar Mahato, Ravinder Singh, Amar Kumar and Abhilash
This study evaluates the concentrations and bioaccumulation patterns of two toxic heavy metals—lead (Pb) and cobalt (Co)—in multiple environmental compartments of the Subarnarekha River ecosystem at Domuhani, Jamshedpur. Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), ten samples each of surface water, soil sediment, Eichhornia crassipes, and four freshwater fish species (Tilapia, Rohu, Catla, and Mrigal) were analyzed. The results reveal significantly higher concentrations of both Pb and Co in Eichhornia crassipes and sediment, indicating their strong capacity for metal accumulation. Among fish species, Mrigal showed the highest metal uptake, while Catla exhibited the lowest. Surface water samples displayed the least contamination, suggesting effective natural dilution. The study underscores the role of aquatic plants in phytoremediation and the importance of ecosystem-based monitoring in mitigating heavy metal pollution in freshwater systems.