Effects of reproductive biology on heavy metal pollution on the histopathological structure of gonads in India

Abstract

Water pollution caused by heavy metals affects breeding and development in fishes of Harike wetland. The
effects of heavy metals on fishes are related to their uptake and accumulation by the organism, resulting in
metal induced disturbances in the structures and functions of various tissues and organs. Early life stage of
fish development, such as oocytes maturation is very sensitive to intoxication. Samples of the fish Labeo
rohita were collected from the two sites to assess the effects of the water quality and concentrations of
heavy metals on the fish ovary. The histopathological changes in gonads have been studied due to
exposure of different pollutants. It was concluded that incidences of gonadal abnormalities in the form of
deformed oocytes, reduction in their numbers and lack of active oogenesis have been observed. From the
results it is inferred that wetland is passing through an alarming situation because deformities in early
stages of oocytes have been observed. It is posing a serious threat to the biodiversity existing there. It is
recommended that waste water discharge from various sources should be treated to protect the fish and
the public health from the menace of pollution.