Are catfish from metal-polluted impoundments in the Olifants River, South Africa, safe for human consumption?

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Many impoverished rural communities rely on fish from inland waters for dietary protein; however, inland waters are becoming increasingly contaminated due to anthropogenic activities. The Olifants River is one of the most polluted river in South Africa. The upper catchment is characterized by acid mine drainage and elevated levels of contaminants from domestic, agricultural, industrial, and mining effluents. A human health risk assessment was conducted to determine whether 2 catfish species from 2 impoundments in the Olifants River were safe for human consumption. The concentrations of metal in the fish muscle were in most cases higher at Lake Flag Boshielo than at the downstream Phalaborwa Barrage. Consumption of catfish from Lake Flag Boshielo on a weekly basis could result in adverse health impacts from antimony, chromium, cobalt, and lead. For the Phalaborwa Barrage, only lead would be likely to pose a health risk for consumption of catfish at weekly frequency.