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Wetlands are highly productive areas in the world. Various hydrological,
biological and biochemical functions and its associated values are shown by wetland
ecosystems. Muthurajawela wetland, which has been listed as one of the 12-priority
wetlands of Sri Lanka (Scot & Pools, 1989), is the large saline coastal peat bog of Sri
Lanka, located on the west coast between Negombo lagoon and Kelani River.
Recognizing biological significance of Muthurajawela, Department of Wildlife
Conservation declared the northern section of the marsh (1777ha) as a sanctuary in July
1996,under Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. At present this wetland is being
rapidly degraded by activities related to the population growth and mushrooming of
industries around Muthurajawela area. This has caused to reduce the water quality of
Muthurajawela, which affects severely to the fauna and flora of this valuable ecosystem.
In this research project, chromium and copper contents of fish and their waters, were
measured during 4 months period using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
method. According to experimental results, the average chromium and copper amounts
in the waters of the Muthurajawela wetland during the period of study, were 19.8pg 1-1
and 28.0 pg 1-1. These levels are below the national and internationally recommended
drinking and irrigation water standards. Average values for chromium and copper in
fish bodies obtained by the research were 0.436 and 1.801 pg per 19 of wet weight.
Copper amounts in fish bodies shows little high when comparing with available data
This study shows that chromium and copper pollution in waters of this wetland was
low and not in a threatening level to affect fauna and flora, during the period of study
