Randomized trial assesses heavy metal levels in fish and water, indicating significant contamination patterns in Central Nepal.
Key Points
This study aims to evaluate heavy metal concentrations and their bioaccumulation in the Bagmati River, focusing on seasonal and site-specific patterns.
Assessed heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn) in water and two fish species (Schistura spp., Garra spp.)
Utilized aligned rank transform (ART) two-way ANOVA for statistical analysis of seasonal variations
Conducted bioaccumulation analysis by measuring metal levels in fish gills and muscles over different sampling periods.
Zn concentration in gills ranged from 1.048 to 5.298 mg/L, significantly higher than muscle levels (p < 0.001).
Cu levels showed strong seasonal effects in Garra gills (F = 11.53, p < 0.001) and in Schistura muscles (F = 5.68, p = 0.004).
Cd accumulation was low (0.024–0.069 mg/L) with no significant temporal variation.