HYDERABAD, March 20: A seminar on analytical chemistry was held at the Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, on Tuesday.

A research officer of the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Karachi, Munawar Saleem, in his presentation on Heavy Metal Dynamics in Karachi Harbour, said that the study was conducted under the memorandum of understanding between the SU and NIO.

He said that seawater sediment, marine biota, collected during 1991-1997 for the heavy metals, showed that concentration in the fish and shellfish of Karachi harbour was five to ten times higher than in the fish from offshore areas of the Karachi coast.

He said that the accumulation of heavy metals in fish was observed to be higher in their gills than in the edible portions of their bodies.

He said that high concentration of heavy metals in water and sediment had also been found in green mussels (perna virids) of Karachi Harbour.

The research scholar said that the highest concentration was found near the outfall of Layari River, which decreased as it approached the mouth of the Monora Channel.

He said that the higher accumulation rate of heavy metals in the mussel was recorded within the harbour area against the adjacent open coastal area.

He said the generally higher concentrations of led, cadmium, chromium and zinc were noted in the male and female mussels of larger size.

He said that the heavy metals concentration found in the Karachi harbour area was also compared with heavy metals concentration in the sediments of Berkilen Bay, Antarctica, and found to be at least 5-11 times higher than Brekilen Bay.

The scholar said that his study suggests measures to effectively control pollution before it creates unsolvable problems of ecosystem and health hazard for aquatic species and human beings.

The scholar suggested that the result of data of the research could be used as a base line for the protection and conservation of existing fauna and flora of Karachi harbour and adjoining area.

A four member committee of experts of the subject have been constituted by the vice chancellor after the presentation of the research scholars to evaluate the research works.

Vice Chancellor Mazharul Haq Siddiqui presided over the seminar.