Author: K. NASIRA, F. SHAHINA AND M. KAMRAN

Publishing Date: 2010

E-ISSN: 0255-7576

Volume: 28 Issue: 2

ABSTRACT:

The level of heavy metals and nematode fauna in water and sediments were determined. In order to evaluate the metal load of the sewers, as a result of discharged effluents, water and sediment samples were collected from various coasts of Karachi viz., Bin Qasim, Korangi Creek, Clifton, Sandspit, Keamari (Sindh), Sonmiani and Gwadar (Balochistan). The collected marine water samples were tested for heavy metals viz., Arsenic, Chromium, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Mercury and Cyanide. Lead and Chromium were found at high concentrations in all the samples. Data showed that metals were at higher level when compared with National Environmental Quality Standard (NEQS). Despite pollution in marine nematode community, many new and known nematode genera were isolated which indicates that marine nematodes have the ability to tolerate heavy metal and other pollution.