Shillong: A research paper on ultra-structural deformities in the gills of a fresh water fish, Channa gachua inhabiting a North-east Indian hill stream, Umkhrah, contaminated by municipal wastes
done jointly by Eva Mary Pala, Asstt Professor, Dept of Zoology, Shillong College, Sudip Dey, Electron Miscroscope Division, SAIF, NEHU, Aparajita Borkotoki, Dept of Zoology, Gauhati University and Kevin H.M. Pala, Dept of Botany, Lady Keane College, Shillong has bagged the Thomas Edison Award-2014.
The research study published in the acclaimed Journal of Toxicology and Health, Photon, USA, has merited the award for inspiration and knowledge distribution among young research scholars.
A synopsis of the research findings says the hill stream Umkhrah used to be a clean water body sustaining a number of fish species. However, during the last few years, the stream is being contaminated extensively by municipal wastes, city garbage and other pollutants. Survey of literature reveals that no initiative has been taken to understand the pollution load and its impact on fish inhabiting the stream.
The present study was taken up to address the problem. The gills of the fish collected from the polluted stream were prepared for scanning and transmission of electron microscopy following the standard procedure and were compared with those from fish collected from relatively cleaner water body (RRTC) (Control).
Shortening, curling, fusion and breakage of the lamellae at places were revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed loss of contour and dilated nuclear membrane in the nucleus of chloride cells, damaged mitochondrial membrane, breakage and loss of microvilli in the chloride cells, epithelial lifting of the gill lamellae and disorganization of blood cells.
The alterations observed could be due to high sensitivity of gills to environmental stress and their capacity to react to low concentration of pollutants. The findings of the present work will serve as a springboard for the future work in the relevant field.
The only aspect which was not included in the present study is the analysis of different pollutants of the water body which may be taken up by future workers. The study thus not only made advancement in pollution research but it also has scientific impacts on the society in understanding the highly destructive impact of pollution caused by mismanagement of municipal wastes and city garbage.
