Adverse Impact of Zinc, on Ecological System, from Industrial

Discharge
According to the research studies performed in Pakistan regarding heavy metal pollutants found in
fish, it was concluded that the quantity of Zinc and other metals found are very high. River pollution
first deteriorates its physical quality and then the community is destroyed as a consequence disturbing
its food web.

Evidences suggest that heavy metal pollutants have been added by factories and other industries to
our local water bodies. Several studies were conducted to determine the heavy metal (zinc and lead)
concentrations in muscle tissues of Labeo rohita inhabiting local water bodies.

Average concentration of Fe2+ in river water was 3.4 times higher than its’ permitted value of 0.2 mg
L-1. Zn2+ concentration was 2.5 times greater than its’ permitted limit of 0.1 mg L-1.

This has posed a potential threat not only to the aquatic organisms but also the other life forms which
depend largely on aquatic wildlife. Fish is consumed by humans as one of the main protein sources
and is a major part of human diet. HMs contamination in water introduces metal toxicity in fish which
in turn can affect the human’s health

Under normal conditions, heavy metals which are mainly beneficial, indeed essential, such as copper
and zinc, may become pollutant when present in excess by exhibiting toxic effect on aquatic
organisms.

Acute heavy metals have toxic effects on fishes and leads to abnormal functioning of some vital organs
and gastrointestinal tract (GIT. Further, the consumption of these toxic heavy metal loaded fishes alter
the functioning of GIT, liver, kidneys and endocrine gland in human beings, while the sewer intake of
lead may lead to death. Mostly sea foods, nuts and cereals are considered the natural source of zinc.

Higher Zinc levels may accumulate in kidneys leading to acute kidney injury. Other symptoms with
high zinc levels may include irritation, headache, lethargy, unpleasant taste in the mouth. It has been
reported that higher Zinc level may lead to anosmia. It may affect the GIT and lead to abdominal pain,
indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach irritation and gastritis.

The waste water effluents discharged from factories is responsible for the deposition of lead and zinc
in the muscles of fish and other aquatic biota, making it unsuitable for human consumption. Use of
these heavy metal contaminated fish may lead to severe chronic as well as acute disease.

Heavy metal concentration of natural water bodies is increasing which is a threat to the aquatic flora
and fauna. Increased toxic heavy metals are not only harmful to aquatic organisms but also pose
serious threats to human who consume these fishes.

Reference:

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322066410_Assessment_of_zinc_and_lead_conc
entration_in_water_and_muscles_of_Labeo_rohita_collected_from_wild_and_local_fish_fa
rms_of_Pakistan
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286101496_Heavy_Metals_Concentrations_in_
Water_Sediment_and_Fish_in_River_Sutlej_at_Sulemanki_Headworks