Imphal, May 19: Preliminary investigations into the death of a large number of fishes, prawns and crabs in Iril river after greenish colouration of its water by a team of the scientists of the Environmental Monitoring Research and Development Laboratory of Environment and Ecology Wing has pointed to lack of adequate oxygen in the water.

The preliminary investigation report of the scientists said that due to lack of adequate oxygen in the water, the fishes, pawns and crabs have died from suffocation of their gins after consuming large quantity of the mosses floating down the river.

Officials of the Public Health Engineering Department have also pointed out that there would be no harm in consumption of the water floating down the river along with mosses after proper treatment of the same.

Interacting with The Sangai Express, a scientist of the Environmental Monitoring, Research and Development Laboratory of Environment and Ecology Wing informed that a team of scientist from the Laboratory had gone to Moirang Kampu area where a large number of dead fishes, pawns and crabs have reported to be floating.

After collecting the samples of the water from the river as well as the fishes both dead and alive, necessary testings have been conducted and the preliminary report of the tests points to lack of adequate oxygen in the water leading to the possible death of the fishes, pawns and crabs after suffocation of their gins from eating the mosses.

Large quantity of mosses have also been detected inside the gins and bellies of the fishes dissected during the laboratory testing, the scientist said, adding that the water in the river has also been found to be putrid with hydro-carbon reaction taking place.

As against the actual requirement of oxygen content of 7 to 8 milligram in 1 lite of water, the oxygen content in the water of Iril river is found to be just around 3 to 4 milligram per litre, the scientist disclosed.

There is the need to improve the ecosystem of the river, he added.

To a question on whether the dead fishes floating up in the river are fit for human consumption, the scientist informed that even if it may not cause any direct effect, consumption of such fishes may affect the health of the consumers indirectly.

The Laboratory would be bringing out its final report and made it known to the public by tomorrow, the scientist informed.

On the other hand, officials of the Public Health Engineering Department have maintained that the there is no harm in consumption of the water of the river if it is properly treated.

The mosses can be filtered and the required oxygen aerated for proper treatment of the water for human consumption, the officials explained.

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