Bioaccumulation of Some Heavy Metals in the Muscle of Cyprinus carpio from Three Locations in Dukan Lake

Abstract

Because of their toxicity, when present in concentrations beyond the allowable limit, heavy metals in our environment have been a source of great concern. These metals are released into the environment in a variety of ways that favor consumption, such as through industrial processes. Fish are the most popular type of seafood. This study's purpose was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Co) in the muscles of Cyprinus carpio from three distinct areas of Dukan Lake (the center of Dukan Lake, Ranya, and Qaladze) of Sulaimani province. The mean values of the elements examined in fish muscles were measured in the descending sequence of Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni > Co. All the discovered heavy metals were within the permitted FAO levels, except for cadmium, whose value (0.136 ppm) was higher than the 0.05 ppm threshold set by the European Union and government (EC, 2006). In conclusion, consuming such fish poses no dangers to humans based on detected amounts of targeted heavy metals except cadmium. The concentration of Co is affected by the location, sex, and season of fish captured, while the concentration of Cu and Ni are affected by fish sex.