Habitat related variations in omega series of unsaturated fatty acids in Indian major Carp Cirrhinus mrigala

Atomic absorption spectrophotometery showed significant levels of contamination by Cd, Hg, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr and Sn in fish habitats. Fatty acids from meat were detected by gas chromatography. C12:0, C20:0, C16:1(n-7), C16:1(n-9), C18:1(n-9), C20:1(n-9), C18:2(n-6), C18:4(n-3), C22:4(n-6), C20:5(n-3) and C22:4(n-6) fatty acids were found missing in fish obtained from area of higher pollution when compared to farmed fish.C16:1(n-7), C20:1(n-9), C20:2(n-6), C22:4(n-6) and C22:5(n-3) were found missing in the fish collected upstream to the areas of high intensity pollution. Loss of these important fatty acids indicates the sensitivity of the fish even in response to the lower intensity of pollution. Farmed fish showed optimal concentration of each fatty acid. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in fatty acid profiles of different species when each was compared in relation to their own habitats. Habitat of even lower intensity pollution confiscates fatty acids of omega series and lower down the unsaturated fats for which fish is preferred on other animals.