The presence of heavy metals in sewage makes them significant pollutants due to their ability to accumulate in organisms. In urban settlements, particularly in underdeveloped municipal areas, the sewage-fed fishery is common. However, the effects ...

The presence of heavy metals in sewage makes them significant pollutants due to their ability to accumulate in organisms. In urban settlements, particularly in underdeveloped municipal areas, the sewage-fed fishery is common. However, the effects of heavy metals on fish in Chhattisgarh, specifically in Rajnandgaon town, remain largely unexplored. This study aims to shed light on this issue, considering that a large population relies on fish consumption, making any negative impact on health parameters a potential public health threat. The study focused on Oreochromis mossambicus fish, commonly known as tilapia. The objective was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Iron, Cadmium, chromium, Lead, and Mercury) in fish tissues, including the gills, liver, and muscle. To assess water quality and the extent of heavy metal contamination, several indices were employed. The Overall Water Quality Index (OWQI) indicated that the Budha Sagar pond is in satisfactory condition. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) was used to evaluate contamination from non-carcinogenic sources. The Metal Pollution Index (MPI), showed the highest mean values in the gills and the lowest in the muscles. This suggests that the gills are primarily affected by heavy metals. Although all investigated parameters in this study remained within safe limits, the presence of heavy metals such as Cadmium and Mercury emphasizes the need for measures to address heavy metal pollution in this urban wetland.