Edible Fish Species Research Articles

A critical review on heavy metal contamination in aquatic food webs by edible fish species: a special case concerning Bangladesh.

Heavy metals (HMs) are ubiquitous in terrestrial and aquatic environments due to unplanned industrial waste discharge, the release of untreated wastewater, and improper mining activities. In particular, the concentrations of HMs are found to be higher in aquatic environments. As a result, the aquatic biota was heavily affected by HM contamination. This critical review aims to understand the sources and toxicity of HMs in commercial fish species, explore their ecological exchange, and examine the related human health challenges in Bangladesh. A modified PRISMA review technique is used in this paper to analyze the current status and research limitations of HM studies in Bangladesh fish species and their toxicity within aquatic food webs. Briefly, we searched several keywords to explore the research trend of HM concentrations and toxicity in fish species. Furthermore, potential toxicity and risk assessment of HMs through the aquatic food chain in Bangladesh were explored. On the other hand, a cross-tabulation approach was used to process the toxicity findings of HMs. Previous studies indicate that fish species can possess comparatively higher HMs than river water due to ecological exchange factors, including bioaccumulation and biotransformation. This review focuses on Bangladesh, highlighting areas for improvements and the need for further study to achieve a transparent understanding of HM deposition in fish species and the sustainable management of aquatic food chain toxicity.

Evidence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and alternative halogenated flame retardants (AHFRs) in wild fish species from the remote tropical marine environment, South China Sea

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their alternatives (e.g., dechlorane plus (DPs) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE)) are ubiquitous in various environmental media. However, limited data is available on these chemicals in edible fish species from the wide-open South China Sea (SCS). In the present study, ten legacy PBDEs and three substitutions (DBDPE and two DPs) were analyzed in 16 wild fish species sampled from the open SCS to investigate their spatial and species-specific variations. The results showed that the total concentrations of PBDEs, DBDPE, and DPs in fish samples were in the range of 1.69 to 47.6, not detected (nd) to 21.0, and nd to 3.80 ng/g lipid weight (lw), respectively. BDEs 47, 209 and 100 were the dominant target PBDE congeners, representing 49.2%, 17.2% and 9.93% of the total PBDE concentrations, respectively. Higher concentrations of PBDEs, DBDPE, and DPs were found in fish species from the Wanshan Archipelago compared to those from the Mischief Reef and the Yongxing Island, suggesting the significant influence of anthropogenic activities. Species-specific differences in levels of PBDEs were observed, with the order of bathydemersal > demersal > pelagic ≈ reef-associated > benthopelagic species. The average fanti value of all fish samples was 0.68, suggesting commercial DP products as a contamination source. The levels of PBDEs, DPs, and DBDPE in fish samples were relatively low compared with those from other locations around the globe. Finally, the health risks concerning the ingestion of BDEs 47, 99, 153 and 209 via fish consumption collected from the SCS are negligible.

Ecological assessment of microplastic contamination in surface water and commercially important edible fishes off Kadalundi estuary, Southwest coast of India.

This study focuses on the Kadalundi estuary, Kerala's first community reserve, investigating the prevalence and impacts of microplastics on both the estuarine environment and selected fish species. This study presents the initial evidence indicating the consumption of microplastic particles by 12 commercially important edible fish species inhabiting the Kadalundi estuary. Analysis revealed significant accumulations of microplastic fibers within the surface water. In examining 12 fish species from demersal and pelagic habitats, microplastics were found in both the gastrointestinal tracts and gills. In the digestive tracts, microplastic fragments constituted the highest proportion (46%), while in the gills, microplastic fibers were dominant (52.4%). This study observed a prevalence of blue microplastics over other colors in both water and fish samples. Notably, demersal species showed a higher incidence of ingested microplastics. Polymer analysis identified Polypropylene (PP), Nylon, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene isotactic (iPP), PE 1 Octene copolymer, and Rayon in water samples, while fish samples predominantly contained LDPE, PP, PE, and Nylon. Risk assessment utilizing the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) categorized certain polymers as posing minor to moderate risks. Pollution Load Index (PLI) computations indicated moderate to high levels of microplastic contamination across various sampling sites in the estuary. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a lack of correlation between fish size and microplastic ingestion, underscoring environmental factors' influence on microplastic intake. The study emphasizes the implications of microplastic pollution on the fragile ecosystem of the Kadalundi estuary, posing potential risks to biodiversity and human health.

Ecological risk assessment of microplastics and mesoplastics in six common fishes from the Bay of Bengal Coast

Plastic particles have emerged as a growing threat to both ecosystems and human well-being, as they are being ingested and accumulate at different trophic levels. However, microplastic and mesoplastic contamination and its risk to coastal and marine water fish have not been well studied, particularly in the northern Bay of Bengal. In this study, the presence of small-scale plastic particles (micro- and meso-sized) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and muscles of six edible fish species from the northern Bay of Bengal Coast were identified and analyzed. The overall range of microplastics was 1.74 ± 0.23–3.79 ± 2.03items/g in muscle and 0.54 ± 0.22–5.96 ± 3.16 items/g in the GIT, with 16.38 ± 8.08–31.88 ± 12.09 items/individual. No mesoplastics were found in muscle tissue, but they were present in the GIT at concentrations ranging from 0.33 ± 0.27 to 0.03 ± 0.02 items/g and from 0.51 ± 0.05to 1.38 ± 1.01 items/individual. Lepturacanthus savala accumulated the most microplastics in muscle, and Harpadon nehereus had the least. In addition, the highest levels of mesoplastics were detected in the GIT of Polynemus paradiseus and the lowest was detected in the GIT of Lutjenus sanguineus. Omnivorous fish showed higher plastic concentrations than carnivorous fish, which was linked to dietary habits, feeding strategies and digestive processes. Plastic material predominantly accumulated in the GIT rather than in the muscle. The majority of ingested plastic particles were fibres (95.18 %), were violet in color (34 %), and were < 0.5 mm in size (87 %). The dominant microplastic polymers included 38 % PE, 15 % PP, 33 % PU, and 14 % CES. In contrast, the prevalent mesoplastic polymers comprised 45 % PE, 19 % PP, 13 % PS, 16 % PA, and 7 % PET. Subsequently, a hazard analysis using the polymer hazard index (PHI) revealed that plastic contamination was of distinct hazard categories for different polymer types, ranging from grade I (<1) to grade IV (100−1000). The assessment of the contamination factor (1 < CF < 3) and pollution load index (PLI > 1) indicated moderate contamination of fish by the ingestion of plastic debris. This study provides the foremost evidence for the presence of mesoplastics and microplastics in coastal and marine fish in the study region, paving the way for future investigations and policy implementation.

First Molecular Identification and Subtyping of Blastocystis sp. in the Most Consumed Edible Marine Fish of Iran: A Foodborne Concern.

The presence of Blastocystis sp. is commonly observed in humans and different animals, displaying a wide range of genetic variations with the discovery of multiple subtypes (STs). However, the prevalence and distribution of these STs in edible marine fish and marine mammals remain uncertain. This study marks the first survey conducted in Iran and the second global molecular investigation to examine the occurrence and STs distribution of Blastocystis in various species of edible marine fish. This study screened 200 fresh intestinal contents from 10 well-known fish species (Narrow-barred mackerel, Indo-pacific king mackerel, Tigertooth croaker, Silver pomfret, Black pomfret, Longtail tuna, John's snapper, Blackspotted croaker, Four-finger threadfin, and Javelin grunter) in southern Iran, caught in the Persian Gulf. All collected samples were evaluated by microscopy and SSU-PCR methods. Based on both microscopy and PCR, the overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in evaluated fish species was 2% (4/200). In brief, Blastocystis sp. was reported from Narrow-barred mackerel [10% (2/20)], Silver pomfret [5% (1/20)], and Tigertooth croaker [5% (1/20)]. Interestingly, among infected fish species three zoonotic STs (ST1, ST2, and ST7) were identified. ST2 was the most predominant ST [50% (2/4)], followed by ST1 and ST7, one sample each [5% (1/20)]. Overall, the prevalence and STs distribution of Blastocystis in edible marine fish along with the possibility of its zoonotic transmission are still open to question and require extensive and more detailed studies.

Bioaccumulation of lead in different organs of Ctenopharyngodon Idella (grass fish) and Tor putitora (Mahseer) fish.

Bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals in the human body can give rise to adverse health effects, the severity of which depends upon their dosage and duration of exposure. In this study, yearlings of two different species of edible fish, i.e., Tor putitora (Mahseer) and Ctenopharyngodon Idella (grass carp), were exposed to different concentrations of lead nitrate in a controlled environment of aquarium for three different lengths of duration (14, 28, and 60 days). The bioaccumulation of lead in different organs, including gills, skin, muscles, liver, intestine, and swim bladder of the fish, was assessed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Generally, the highest lead concentration was observed in the gills and lowest in the muscles for both species at each experimental dosage and duration. In 14-days exposure, the relative pattern of bioaccumulation in different organs was observed as gill > liver > skin > intestine > swim bladder > muscle for both fish species. Similarly, the pattern of bioaccumulation observed in 28-days exposure was as: gill > liver > intestine > skin > swim bladder > muscle in both species. Whereas, pattern in 60-days exposure was observed as gill > liver > intestine > swim bladder > muscle > skin. The data shows that grass carp had stored higher concentrations of lead than Mahseer, which may be attributed to the fact that they are omnivorous. Furthermore, the lowest bioaccumulation was recorded in the muscles until the 56th day of the exposure, after which the concentration steadily increased in the muscles. The observed pattern highlights the importance of exposure's duration to lead; chronic exposure could result in its bioaccumulation at toxic concentrations in the muscles, which is particularly of concern because the fish muscles are heavily consumed as food worldwide.

Exploring pisciculture potentiality in Samdihi OCP: A comparative study on trace elements, potentially toxic metals and basic nutritive components of two edible cultured fish species of Samdihi OCP, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India

Opencast coal mining results into formation of huge pit like void locally called khadan which eventually being filled with water serves as a reservoir of aquatic resources. Present study intends to explore the pisciculture potentiality in one abandoned Samdihi opencast coal pit using two economically important edible fish species, viz. Cirrhinus mrigala (mrigal) and Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia). Analysis of trace elements of fish samples were done by using energy-dispersive X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry, dominant potentially toxic metals of water and fish samples were done using atomic absorption spectroscopy, and basic nutritional evaluation through AOAC FAM (2012) and Lowry et al. (1951) protocols. The comparative analysis of trace elements, viz., sodium and potassium revealed that the fish from culture pond had slightly elevated concentrations compared to opencast coal pit bred fish and they ranged between 1116.54±1.54 and 3791.01±1.35 mg/kg and 5321.96±1.11 and 6797.96±2.78 mg/kg for sodium and potassium respectively. On the other hand, the comparative values of calcium and chloride revealed similar trends, where the opencast coal pit bred fish had higher concentrations (6658.46±2.03 to 9767.91±1.10 mg/kg for calcium and 3266.55±1.08 to 4238.54±1.71 mg/kg for chloride respectively) than fish from culture pond. Analysis of potentially toxic metals viz., cadmium, arsenic, lead and nickel of fish from opencast coal pit and culture pond revealed values within the standard FSSAI limit, where, cadmium concentration in mrigal and tilapia from opencast coal pit were much lower (0.25±0.02 and 0.24±0.02 mg/kg respectively) than fish from culture pond and similar trends were followed by arsenic, lead and nickel. The comparative study on nutritive components of fish from opencast coal pit and culture pond revealed that the total protein content, total carbohydrate and total fat content were within 77.20±0.25 and 85.82±0.40 mg/g, 1.75±0.02 to 4.14±0.15% and 14.42±0.34 and 18.51±0.42 mg/g respectively, where in most of the cases the opencast coal pit bred fish were found having a little higher values. Results revealed that there is no significant difference in comparing the macronutrients like sodium, calcium, potassium and chloride in fish from opencast coal pit and culture pond. Whereas, average values of potentially toxic metals (cadmium, arsenic, lead and nickel) concentration in opencast coal pit and culture pond were within the safe limits as per FSSAI, as well as lower values of target hazard quotient (THQ&lt;1) predicting no potential risk of metal toxicity for human. Also, both the opencast coal pit and control pond bred fish maintained a good status in respect to protein, carbohydrate and fat content. In terms of estimated daily intake, estimated fish nutritional index, basic nutritional profiling and macronutrients study, the fish cultured in opencast coal pit showed relatively higher values than that of fish from culture pond. Thus, the current investigation features the intense potential of sustainable pisciculture in Samdihi abandoned opencast coal pit directing the sustainable development of socio-economy of local community along with environmental resource reclamation.

Deep machine learning identified fish flesh using multispectral imaging

Food fraud is widespread in the aquatic food market, hence fast and non-destructive methods of identification of fish flesh are needed. In this study, multispectral imaging (MSI) was used to screen flesh slices from 20 edible fish species commonly found in the sea around Yantai, China, by combining identification based on the mitochondrial COI gene. We found that nCDA images transformed from MSI data showed significant differences in flesh splices of the 20 fish species. We then employed eight models to compare their prediction performances based on the hold-out method with 70% training and 30% test sets. Convolutional neural network (CNN), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), support vector machine (SVM), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) models perform well on cross-validation and test data. CNN and QDA achieved more than 99% accuracy on the test set. By extracting the CNN features for optimization, a very high degree of separation was obtained for all species. Furthermore, based on the Gini index in RF, 11 bands were selected as key classification features for CNN, and an accuracy of 98% was achieved. Our study developed a successful pipeline for employing machine learning models (especially CNN) on MSI identification of fish flesh, and provided a convenient and non-destructive method to determine the marketing of fish flesh in the future.

First insights into per-and polyfluoroalkyl substance contamination in edible fish species of the Indus water system of Pakistan

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of emerging contaminants, that have a wide range of applications in industrial and commercial products. The direct discharge of untreated industrial and domestic wastewater into freshwater bodies is a common practice in developing countries, which are the main contributors to PFASs in the aquatic environment. The situation is further worsened due to poor wastewater treatment facilities and weak enforcement of environmental regulations in countries like Pakistan. The current study was designed to assess PFASs contamination in muscle tissues of edible fish species from major tributaries of the Indus System, including Head Panjnad (HP), Head Trimmu (HT), Chashma Barrage (CB), Head Blloki (HB) and Head Qadirabad (HQ). The analysis of target PFAS was performed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. The highest levels of ∑17PFASs were observed in S. seenghala, C. mirigala from HB, and C. mirigala from HQ with a mean value of 45.4 ng g-1, 43.7 ng g-1, and 40.8 ng g-1, respectively. Overall, the compositional profile of fish samples was predominated by long-chain PFASs such as PFOA, PFOS, PFHpS, and PFDS. The accumulation of PFASs in fish species is dependent on the physiochemical properties of PFASs, characteristics of the aquatic environment, and fish species. Significant associations of PFASs with isotopic composition (p < 0.05), feeding habits (p < 0.05), and zones (p < 0.05) indicate that dietary proxies could be an important predictor of PFASs distribution among species. The C7–C10 PFASs exhibited bio-accumulative tendency with an accumulation factor ranging from 0.5 to 3.4. However, none of the fish samples had sufficiently high levels of PFOS to cause human health risk (HR < 1). For future studies, it is s recommended to conduct seasonal monitoring and the bioaccumulation pattern along trophic levels of both legacy and emerging PFASs.

Impact of some trace elements on the quality of edible fish species and its human health risks from Timsah Lake, Egypt

Impact of some trace elements on the quality of edible fish species and its human health risks from Timsah Lake, Egypt

Analysis of EPA + DHA and omega3/omega6 ratio in 17 edible wild fish species in Bahrain

Fish are an important part of the Mediterranean diet, which recommends consuming more fish (at least twice a week) than meat (on a monthly basis). Over the past decade there has been a significant promotion of fish intake because of its high-quality protein content, low fat content, and because it is a good source of vitamins and minerals, but overall because it contains large amounts of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The aim of this study is to determine the fatty acid contents of ten edible wild fish species sold at the Bahrain market along with twelve previously studied edible wild fish species in Bahrain to find out the best of them in terms of EPA, DHA, and n-3/n-6 ratio. Ten edible wild fish species in which their fatty acid contents were not previously studied were selected from the Bahrain market. Lipid extraction and fatty acid methylation were performed. Gas chromatography analysis was conducted to determine the fatty acid compositions of the selected fish species. The result showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the fatty acid compositions among all ten fish species studied. Edible wild fish species from the present study were given numbers (number 1 is the one with the best fatty acid contents, whereas number 17 is the one with poorest fatty acid contents) based on the sum of EPA and DHA and the n-3/n-6 ratio. The number one fish based on EPA + DHA was Doubleber Bream (Faskir) 26.63 ± 0.30%, while the lowest sum of EPA + DHA was observed in White Sardinella (Oom) 5.45 ± 0.35%. On the other hand, fish with the highest n-3/n-6 ratio is Doubleber Bream (Faskir) with a ratio of 2.62 ± 0.29%, whereas Haffara Bream (Gorgofan) has the lowest ratio 0.60 ± 1.45%. The sum of EPA and DHA and the n-3/n-6 ratio of the 17 fish species from Bahrain were compared with fish species that have high amounts of omega-3 around the world and fish species from the Arabian Gulf Sea and the Mediterranean Sea based on the sum of EPA + DHA and n-3/n-6 ratio. The result has shown that EPA + DHA and the n-3/n-6 ratio were similar to those from the Arabian Gulf Sea but lower in the fish species in Bahrain compared to the Mediterranean Sea and those with high amounts of omega-3 around the world. In conclusion, consuming only wild fish species from Bahrain will not be adequate to gain the recommended daily consumption of 500-1000 mg EPA + DHA.

Human Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Water, Sediments and Edible Fish Species Collected from Idu-Uruan Beach, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Human Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Water, Sediments and Edible Fish Species Collected from Idu-Uruan Beach, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Toxic or beneficial? What is the role of food‐relevant selenium species selenoneine?

Toxic or beneficial? What is the role of food‐relevant selenium species selenoneine?

Morphological and molecular characterization of Hysterothylacium larval morphotypes (Nematoda: Raphidascarididae) infecting edible marine fish in the Black Sea.

The morphological and molecular identification of Hysterothylacium larval morphotypes in the Black Sea remains unresolved and incomplete. The aim of current study was to provide a detailed morphological identification with rDNA whole ITS (ITS‒1, 5.8S subunit, ITS‒2) and mtDNA cox2 sequences data of Hysterothylacium larval morphotypes infecting four commonly edible marine fish species, including European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus (L.), horse mackerel, Trachurus trachurus (L.), whiting, Merlangius merlangus (L.), and red mullet, Mullus barbatus ponticus (E.) in the Black Sea (FAO fishing area 37.4.2). Hysterothylacium larval morphotypes were morphologically classified, followed by whole ITS and cox2 sequencing. Four Hysterothylacium larval morphotypes, III, IV, VIII, and IX, are described based on morphological and molecular data. The present study provides the first study reporting whole ITS and cox2 sequences for Hysterothylacium larval morphotypes III, IV, VIII and III, IV, VIII, IX, respectively, in the Black Sea. Here, we offer a foundation for future research on the distribution, morphologic and molecular identification of Hysterothylacium larval morphotypes infecting edible some marine fish in the Black Sea.

Food and Medicinal Aspects of Freshwater Snail Filopaludina bengalensis (Lamarck, 1822)

Food is becoming more and more scarce due to several negative factors. People only focus on the readily available foods in their vicinity that are limited and well-known. Unexplored foods from the forest are out of our food baskets due to a metallic lifestyle that creates a lot of health problems and retards the development of a nation. From the forest’s wealth, plants are more known, but edible insects, snails, fish, and other such species are less known and need to be explored. Keeping this in view, an attempt has been made to find medicinal foods from the faunal wealth of Odisha. A survey was carried out in selected districts (Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, and Keonjhar) of Odisha state in 2023 and enumerated the species from the faunal wealth having food and medicinal values. Results revealed that snails are most common and consumed as a nutraceutical and have fewer scientifically known taxa in medico-food aspects. In this communication, the food and medicinal uses of Filopaludina bengalensis, a freshwater snail, are discussed, and further advanced work is recommended to do value addition for sustainable utilization.

Contamination and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Selected Highly Edible Fish Species from Lake Nyasa, Tanzania

Contamination and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Selected Highly Edible Fish Species from Lake Nyasa, Tanzania

Comprehensive GIS based risk surveillance of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in edible fish species of River Chenab, Pakistan

The present study was conducted to evaluate Carcinogenic (TR) and non-carcinogenic (THQ) human health risk of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in three edible fish species (Labeo boga, Channa marulius and Wallago attu) of River Chenab, Pakistan using USEPA human health risk assessment model. Holistic GIS (Geographic information system) based Geo-Statistical approach has been employed for the first time in River Chenab, Pakistan to categorize contaminated risk zones of OCPs based on single pollution index. The ∑OCPs concentrations in fish species were ranged from 5.09 to 414 ng/g with the prevalence of dieldrin. Results of single pollution index of DDE, aldrin, dieldrin and ∑endosulfan revealed River Chenab as polluted and risk zone area. Distribution pattern assessed significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of OCPs in downstream area suggesting substantial pollution of surrounded industrial region. The human health risk assessment depicted no harmful non-carcinogenic (THQ) risk except for ΣOCPs concentration of C. marulius. Significant carcinogenic (TR) health risk exhibited by all examined OCPs from maximum of the studied sites. Therefore, the high carcinogenic human health risk had highlighted an immediate removal of continuous disposal of OCPs in the River Chenab.

Oxidative stress responses in Puntius sarana collected from some environmentally contaminated areas of River Mahananda, Malda, West Bengal.

Environmental contaminant-induced aquatic pollution threatens the aquatic biota and causes oxidative stress in the aquatic organisms. Mahananda River, the lifeline of Malda district, West Bengal, India is presently experiencing environmental crisis due to increasing level of contaminants which deteriorate the water quality along with its biota. Puntius sarana is an economically important edible fish species in the River Mahananda that seems to be declining, owing to environmental pollution. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the health status of Puntius sarana by evaluating different oxidative stress biomarkers. The sampling sites were selected according to population density and possible anthropogenic activities around the River Mahananda. Significantly higher concentration of Zn2+ (p < 0.01), Cu2+ (p < 0.05) in different sampling sites has been observed, compared to the control site. Results of the water quality index and water pollution index confirmed the pollution status of different sampling sites. Significant decreases were observed in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, compared to the control. The decreased values of reduced and oxidized glutathione ratio also indicate the increased oxidative stress of Puntius sarana. The principal component analysis showed that total hardness, calcium hardness, nitrate, manganese, zinc, copper, iron and arsenic were the main descriptors of the aquatic pollution. Therefore, findings of the present study demonstrate the ecotoxicological impacts of various anthropogenic activities which necessitates the need for continuous monitoring of the fresh water resources and its ecosystem from further contamination.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in water and edible fish species of Karun River, Ahvaz, Iran: spatial distribution, human health, and ecological risk assessment

ABSTRACT Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are environmental contaminants with unfavorable impacts on human health and nature. This study aimed to determine the PFOA and PFOS concentration in water and fish samples from Karun, the largest river in Iran. According to the results, the PFOA and PFOS in water samples were 5.81–69.26 ng/L and not detected (n.d.)–35.12 ng/L, respectively. The dry season displayed higher concentrations in water samples than in the wet season. The maximum PFOS concentration measured was related to Barbus barbules sp. (27.89 ng/g). The human health risk assessment indicated minor risks (hazard ratio, HR < 1) from PFOA and PFOS through consuming contaminated drinking water and fish. Only HR value of PFOS in downstream area exceeded slightly 1.0, indicating potential health risk due to consumption of the river fish. Considering the average PFASs concentration, the risk quotients (RQs) showed low ecological risk.

Distribution, health risk assessment, and water quality criteria of phthalate esters in Poyang Lake, China

Although China has been the main manufacturer and consumer of phthalate esters (PAEs), human health ambient water quality criteria (AWQCs) have not been proposed for these chemicals. In this study, the distribution and bioaccumulation of six PAEs (dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP)) were investigated in 11 edible fish species collected from Poyang Lake, China. The results showed that the total concentrations of the six PAEs in the fish ranged between 118.63 and 819.84 μg/kg wet weight (mean of 327.50 ± 190.44 μg/kg). DMP, DEP, DBP, and DEHP were detected in all samples, of which DEHP and DBP were two of the most predominant phthalates, accounting for more than 90% of the total PAEs. The DEHP concentrations in fish with different habitat preferences were different, demersal species were significantly higher than pelagic species (p < 0.05). The mean natural logarithmic bioaccumulation factors (log BAFs) of PAEs increased with increasing lipophilicity of the substances, which yielded the following regression equation: log BAF (L/kg) = 0.103 log Kow + 2.158 (r2 = 0.940, p < 0.05, n = 4). Using this quantitative structure–activity relationship to calculate BAFs for the remaining undetected substances (BBP and DnOP) to derive AWQCs. According to the natural parameters, the human health AWQCs relating to PAE concentrations for water and fish consumption were derived as 9.4 × 103 (DMP), 5.0 × 102 (DEP), 4.2 × 101 (DBP), 1.1 (BBP), 8.6 × 10− 2 (DEHP), and 2.0 (DnOP) μg/L. Human health risk assessment indicated that the dietary intake of DEHP may exert a carcinogenic effect on residents of the Poyang Lake region. The results provide important input to assess the health risk posed by PAEs contaminated surface water.