Water Quality, Heavy Metal Accumulation, and Haematological Studies in Economically Important Fishes, Oreochromis mossambicus and Catla catla at Retteri Lake, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The current study examined water quality variables, heavy metal accumulation, and haematological markers in Oreochromis mossambicus and Catla catla in Retteri Lake from July 2022 to January 2023. The study revealed that the water quality of the Lake was within acceptable limits for the majority of the criteria examined. However, heavy metal concentrations in the water surpassed acceptable limits, indicating potential toxicity hazards to fish and other aquatic organisms. The fish's haematological indices indicated a considerable drop in red blood cell count, haemoglobin, and haematocrit, indicating the potential influence of heavy metal buildup on the fish health.