University of the Punjab | PU (original) (raw)

PU researcher finds heavy metals toxicity in Chashma Barrage mussels

In an alarming but significant ground breaking environment research, Punjab University PhD scholar Muhammad Sohail has found that freshwater mussels (Anodonta anatine) being sensitive to aquatic environmental contamination are excellent indicators of ecosystem health and stability. According to a press release issued here on Tuesday, freshwater mussels, close relatives of pearls producing oyster mollusks are immobile and imbedded in the river streambed and filter water to obtain oxygen and food; therefore, they are sensitive to industrial, agricultural and other anthropogenic contaminations polluting even River Indus.
The researcher has found bio-accumulation of Lead, Copper and Chromium heavy metals in the gills, mantle and foot of freshwater mussels collected from River Indus and Chashma Barrage bed. PU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Zaffar Mueen Nasir has congratulated Muhammad Sohail on successful completion of his PhD degree on the basis of such excellent PhD evaluation reports.