Investigating Fish Mortality

The challenge

A pharmaceutical company in Ahmedabad, Gujarat engaged Aura Environmental Services Pvt. Ltd. after discovering unexpected fish deaths in their on-site pond. A potential ecological imbalance or contamination was suspected, but the exact cause was unclear — and the company needed answers to prevent it recurring.

How we investigated

Our team approached the problem as a forensic investigation, not just a water test:

• Examined the company’s processes and water-management infrastructure.
• Traced and evaluated all water sources feeding into the pond.
• Collected and analysed pond-water samples in our NABL-accredited laboratory, including a bio-assay evaluation.

The findings

Laboratory testing revealed a critical problem: the BOD levels in the pond were critically low, meaning there was insufficient dissolved oxygen in the water to support the fish population. The fish were not poisoned — they were starved of oxygen.

The outcome

Aura provided customised recommendations focused on maintaining oxygen levels and regular BOD monitoring. The company implemented these measures, resulting in improved water quality and a healthier aquatic environment in their pond — and a monitoring routine to keep it that way.