Analysis of Heavy metals and Physico-chemical Parameters of Water in Feeding Habitats of Ardeola grayii

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of some physico-chemical parameters of water from feeding sites of Ardeola grayii. Water samples were collected from five feeding sites of Ardeola grayii as site 1 to 5 for the determination of BOD, COD, DO pH, Chloride, Alkalinity, Total hardness as calcium carbonate, and magnesium carbonate. Samples were also collected for determination heavy metals such as; Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg, Mn, and Zn. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS and Graph pad prism 5. The concentration of DO, BOD, COD was higher in site 2 and site 4. As a result that contaminated water was lethal for aquatic organism and directly or indirectly it affects Ardeola grayii. The concentration of Cd, Pb, and Hg was higher in site 2, 3 and 4 than CPCB limits indicating severe contamination in these sites. Due to presence of these anthropogenic substances, Ardeola grayii shifted their feeding habitats and behaviour, which is not good for ecosystem. On the contrary, if such pollutants continue to occur for a longer then it may leads to the extinction of rest of the species. Monitoring should be continuously done in order to alleviate pollutants and maintain proper food chain of these aquatic ecosystems.