A recent study published in the journal ‘Heliyon’ by the Wildlife Institute of India reveals that Gangetic dolphins are being exposed to harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) through their diet. Researchers assessed the dietary risk from 39 EDCs present in fish species commonly consumed by these freshwater mammals.

The study found significant bioaccumulation of industrial chemicals like di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) in the dolphins’ prey. Additionally, traces of banned pesticides such as DDT and Lindane (γ-HCH) were detected, highlighting weak enforcement of environmental laws in the Ganga basin.