Heavy Metal Concentrations In Fish Research Articles

Investigation of Heavy Metal Toxicity and Sustainability of Aquatic Ecosystems in Jabi Lake, Abuja

The discharge of pollutants into freshwater ecosystems threatens environmental health and human means of livelihoods, especially in regions reliant on fisheries. This study explores the intricate relationship between aquatic toxicity and the Fauna sustainability in Jabi Lake, Abuja. Focusing on Clarias gariepinus, fish species. Nine fish samples and three water samples from Jabi Lake, Abuja, were analyzed for five heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn, and Fe), using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Results revealed permissible heavy metal concentrations in fish and water, according to FAO standards. However, prolonged exposure raises concerns for human health. Mean values for metal concentrations in fish (Cu 0.22±0.01 to 0.23±0.01 mg/kg; Zn 2.12±0.01 to 2.24±0.09 mg/kg; Pb 0.01±0.005 to 0.02±0.005 mg/kg; Mn 0.34±0.02 to 0.5±0.03 mg/kg; Fe 4.24±0.06 to 5.78±0.51 mg/kg), while in water (Cu 0.34±0.02 to 0.52±0.01 mg/l; Zn 2.91±0.045 to 3.2±0.19 mg/l; Pb 0.01±0.005 to 0.02±0.005 mg/l; Mn 0.71±0.01 to 0.9±0.02 mg/l; Fe 5.21±0.01 to 5.97±0.02 mg/l) were within permissible limits, except for Mn and Fe in water, which exceeded the WHO standards. Statistical analyses, including the student’s t-test (P<0.05), show significant differences in Pb, Zn, and Mn concentrations in fish and water, but not in Cu and Fe. Anthropogenic activities like construction, sand filling, illegal fishing, and waste disposal contribute to fish diversity depletion, affecting vulnerable species like Catfish, Tilapia, Nile Perch, and Crayfish. The study noted declining incomes for local fishers due to disappearing fish species. While Catfish muscle’s metal concentrations meet FAO standards, ongoing monitoring is vital to preserve the ecosystem and safeguard human health. Mitigating anthropogenic activities and protecting vulnerable species are imperative for environmental integrity and community well-being.

Potential Health Hazards of Consuming Lutjanus Goreensis from Coastal Waters in the Niger Delta Contaminated with Toxic Metals

This study investigates the health risks associated with trace elements in Gorean snapper (Lutjanus goreensis) from Buguma Creek, Southern Nigeria. Fish samples were collected monthly from May to August 2023, and muscle tissues were analyzed for potential health risks posed by elevated levels of hazardous metals. The concentrations of various heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, and As) in Gorean Snapper collected from different locations (Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3) were measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/Kg) of fish tissue. Results revealed varying metal concentrations across stations, with notable differences in Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, and As levels. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values for Cadmium (Cd) were relatively low for both adults and children across all three stations. However, Lead (Pb) and Arsenic (As) exhibited low EDI values, while Zinc (Zn) showed significantly higher values, especially at Station 3. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) results indicated potential health risks associated with Zinc exposure, particularly at Station 3, for both adults and children. Carcinogenic Risk (CR) analysis revealed potential health risks associated with long-term exposure to Cadmium for adults. The CR values for Lead and Arsenic fell within acceptable ranges. This study raises concerns about potential health risks associated with the consumption of L. goreensis from Buguma and recommends the continuous monitoring of heavy metal concentrations, public awareness programs, further research, collaboration among stakeholders, and the implementation of best practices in aquaculture and fisheries management to reduce heavy metal concentrations in fish.

Human biomonitoring of heavy metals exposure in different age- and gender-groups based on fish consumption patterns in typical coastal cities of China

The study aimed to investigate heavy metals (HMs) concentrations in human hair based on fish consumption patterns in Qingdao, Xiamen, and Zhoushan. The (HMs) concentrations were determined using acid digestion and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS, NexION 300X, PerkinElmer). The associated health risks were investigated using risk assessment models described by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The order of fish HMs concentration in Qingdao was Cd<Pb<As>Cr<Cu<Zn, while The in Zhoushan and Xiamen the order was Cd<Pb<Cr<Cu<As<Zn. The highest concentrations of HMs in fish were found in Zhoushan and lowest in Xiamen. Zn showed the highest values in fish, while Cd and Pb were the lowest. The Cr concentration in Scomberomorus niphonius collected in Qingdao exceeded the safety standards. The HMs in both male and female hair followed a descending order of Zn>Cu>Pb>Cr>As>Cd in all three study areas. The hair Zn concentration in 28 % of the studied population exceeded the safety standards. Overall, the hair HMs concentration was found to be high in middle-aged groups (19–45 and 45–59), and the hair HMs concentrations were high, especially in the case of females. A significant correlation was noticed between hair As (0.119; p < 0.05), Cr (0.231; p < 0.05),) and Cu (0.117; p < 0.05),) and fish consumption frequency. High Odd ratios (>2) were noticed for As, Cu and Zn in high fish-eating frequency. A significant non-carcinogenic risk was noticed in human Cr exposure (1.10E+00) in Xiamen, and the hazard index values indicated non-carcinogenic risk in Xiamen and Zhoushan. The carcinogenic risk for human As exposure (2.50E-05–7.09E-03) indicated a significant cancer risk.

Heavy metal levels in fish products in Indonesia: a survey

Indonesia is the biggest archipelago in the world with large water areas. Indonesia produces and consumes a high amount of fishery products. However, there is a heightened risk of heavy metal contaminants in those products as heavy metals are accumulated along the aquatic food chain. In this review, the concentration of heavy metals, mainly arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead, in fish and fish products acquired in Indonesia were discussed. Those heavy metals are toxic at low levels and their concentrations in fish and fish products are regulated by the National Agency of Drug and Food. In some polluted areas, such as Ciliwung River (Jakarta and West Java), Donan River (Central Java), and Jakarta Bay, the content of heavy metals in fish were above the permitted threshold. Surveillance of the heavy metal concentrations in fish and fish products by the National Agency of Drug and Food has been implemented but a more frequent and thorough inspection is needed. Moreover, fishing should be discouraged in highly polluted areas by the local government to avoid the consumption of contaminated aquatic animal products.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in fish, water and sediment of Koramar Wanke Dam Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in fish, water and sediment of Koramar Wanke Dam Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Plankton composition and heavy metal concentrations in fish from Bundu-Ama Creek, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

This study examines plankton composition and diversity as well as the heavy metal concentrations in fish from Bundu-ama creek, rivers State, Nigeria. The heavy metals tested were Nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results for the heavy metals are as follows; Ni was below detectable limit throughout the points in the first month, while in the second month and third month it ranged from (0.038±0.046mg/kg to 0.0213±0.037mg/kg), Cr ranged from (0.029±0.006mg/kg to 0.409±0.0386mg/kg), Cu ranged from (2.116±0.773mg/kg to 3.467±0.248mg/kg), Zn ranged from (3.393±0.280mg/kg to 2.75±0.844mg/kg) and Cd was below detectable limit. The highest phytoplankton species identified belongs to the family Bacillariophyta, while the highest zooplankton species identified belongs to the family Copepoda. Heavy metals were above WHO limits indicating that the creek is polluted due to anthropogenic activities in the area and consumption of the fishes may be considered unsafe.

Plankton composition and heavy metal concentrations in fish from Bundu-Ama Creek, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Plankton composition and heavy metal concentrations in fish from Bundu-Ama Creek, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Fish from River Tano in Ghana and the Health Risks Posed to Consumers.

Appreciable levels of trace metals have been reported in the Tano basin, but data on the corresponding levels in fish and the risk they pose to consumers are limited. The levels of 7 trace metals in 18 fish muscles were assessed between November 2016 and October 2017 using acid digestion and PerkinElmer (PinAACle 900T) Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Apart from Cu, all the metals studied were detected in all fish samples. The levels of Cr, As, and Hg were higher than the acceptable levels of fish muscles. Cr concentration ranged from 16.10 ± 0.2 mg/kg in Clarias gariepinus to 57.9 ± 4.2 mg/kg in Sarotherodon galilaeus. The levels of As ranged from 1.01 ± 0.08 in Clarias gariepinus to 3.00 ± 0.01 mg/kg in Mormyrus rume. Hg level was 0.58 ± 0.69 mg/kg in Oreochromis niloticus and 2.52 ± 0.70 mg/kg in Ctenopoma kingsleyae. However, Pb, Zn, and Cd concentrations were below the Food and Agriculture Organization limits with low target hazard quotients in all fish samples, suggesting no possible noncarcinogenic risks to adult consumers. Possible noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were recorded for As, Hg, and Cr in all fish species. Strong associations were observed between Hg, As, Zn, and Cr and between Pb and Cd suggesting a possible common source. Mormyrus rume fish species was under stress in the river, but the remaining species were in good condition. Periodic monitoring of trace metal concentrations in fish and enforcement of the buffer zone policy are recommended.

Impact of Illegal Crude Oil Refining in Jike-ama River of Bille Kingdom, Rivers State, Nigeria

Oil exploration and exploitation is a lucrative business and one of the major sources of revenue in Nigeria. Each year, hundreds of post-impact assessment (PIA) studies are conducted to assess the impact of the hazards generated by the oil industry on social environment and on human health. This hazardous impact is the associated with the activities of illegal refining of crude oil. Thus, this work examined the impact of illegal crude oil refining activities in Jike-Ama river of Jike-Ama community. Shellfish, fish, surface water and sediment samples were randomly collected in triplicates. Physiochemical parameters, heavy metal content, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and total hydrocarbon content of the water in addition to heavy metal content and PAHs in fish, Shellfish and sediment were determined. The results of the physicochemical parameters showed that pH, total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, turbidity and total hydrocarbon content of water were above FEPA permissible limits while chloride, nitrate and sulphate detected in water were within FEPA permissible limits. Dissolved oxygen was observed to be below FEPA permissible limit. The mean concentration of heavy metals and PAHs in sediment showed significant difference (p&lt;0.05) when compared with values for Shellfish and fish and were above FEPA and WHO permissible limits. Shellfish had higher concentrations of heavy metals and PAHs than fish. PAHs values in shellfish showed significant difference (p&lt;0.05). Heavy metals concentration in fish were above permissible limits except Cr, Zn and Pb. Concentration of PAHs in fish, shellfish, surface water and sediment were generally above FEPA and WHO permissible limits. This findings suggests high concentration of contaminants in Jike-Ama river.

Evaluation of heavy metals and radionuclides in fish and seafood products

Despite the existence of a legislation regarding food contaminants, food safety control in Serbia is a matter of great concern. This study investigates the radioactivity levels and heavy metal concentrations in fish and seafood commercially available in Serbian markets. Domestic fish species (caught in the Danube River) and fishery products imported from Europe, Asia and America were analyzed. The content of natural radionuclides and 137Cs were investigated by gamma spectrometry. Activity concentration of 40 K was measured in the range of 44–165 Bq kg−1; low levels of 137Cs were detected in two samples (2.8 and 3.0 Bq kg−1), while concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th were below minimal detectable values. Concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Hg and Pb) were determined using ICP-OES method. Cd concentration ranged from 0.01 to 0.81 mg kg−1 in sea fish and from 0.01 to 0.03 mg kg−1 in freshwater fish. Hg concentrations were in the range of 0.01–1.47 mg kg−1; the highest value was measured in the predator fish - shark. The highest level of Pb (6.56 mg kg−1) was detected in a blue sea fish (Atlantic mackerel). The health risks associated with the intake of heavy metals and radionuclides via fish consumption were evaluated. The results indicate that fish and seafood consumption do not pose a significant health concern in the case of the usual consumption rate which is typical for the population of Serbia. However, a highly frequent consumption of fishery products can have adverse health effects, especially due to Hg and Pb contamination.

Evaluating Heavy Metals Pollution and Exposure Risk Through the Consumption of Four Commercially Important Fish Species and Water from Cross River Ecosystem, Nigeria.

In order to evaluate heavy metals exposure risk in the mid-Cross River, the concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) in water and four commercially important fishes (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Clarias anguillaris, Tilapia zillii and Mormyrus rume) were studied between February 2015 and August 2016. Iron (2.71 ± 0.5mg/L), Mn (0.49 ± 0.06mg/L), Pb (0.05 ± 0.04mg/L) and Cr (0.06 ± 0.03mg/L) in water were above permissible limits. The pattern of heavy metals concentration in fish was T. zillii > M. rume > C. anguillaris > C. nigrodigitatus except for Pb. The estimated daily intake of most heavy metals was below the tolerable daily intake values except Pb. Although the hazard quotient was below one, the total hazard quotient and the carcinogenic risk value for Cr were above acceptable ranges for all fishes.

Systematic Review of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Fish and Shellfish in Korea

Systematic Review of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Fish and Shellfish in Korea

Trace Metal Contamination in Tropical Endemic Fish: Factorial Effect Interactions and In situ Quantitative Risk Assessment

Aim: Contamination of the Anambra River with heavy metals (arsenic, As; cadmium, Cd; chromium, Cr; copper, Cu; lead, Pb; nickel, Ni; and zinc, Zn) was examined in two preponderant fish species (Synodontis clarias and Tilapia nilotica) following earlier detection of the elements in water column. Methods: Levels of heavy metals were measured in both seasonal regimes (rainy and dry) at five selected locations with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Factorial effects and interactions were explored on completely randomized block design. Quantitative risk of metal exposure through contaminated fish consumptions among the resident community population at the river was assessed to extrapolate the probable public health threat. Results: The result showed variations among heavy metal concentrations in fish and Zn and Cu recorded significant amounts with S. clarias recording higher concentrations than T. nilotica. Season, species of fish and location and their interactions had significant effects on the amounts of Cu and Zn accumulated in the fish tissues except season by species effect. Zinc recorded the highest concentrations at all locations measured, with Onono (location 5) producing the fish species with the highest amount of metals compared with other locations. The heavy metal concentrations were below the comparable international safe standards. Margin of exposure and exposure dose calculated for the heavy metals were all below reference standards and tentatively considered not to be of risk to public health. Conclusion: However, there is considerable concern of contamination of the fish species with heavy metals and recommended regular monitoring or examination of edible fish species.

Heavy Metals Concentrations in Fish from Red Sea and Arabian Gulf: Health Benefits and Risk Assessments due to their Consumption

Heavy Metals Concentrations in Fish from Red Sea and Arabian Gulf: Health Benefits and Risk Assessments due to their Consumption

A risk assessment of heavy metal concentrations in fish and an invertebrate from the Gulf of Antalya.

This study was conducted to determine the levels of Cd, Cu, Zn and Pb in the Red mullet (Mullus barbatus), Grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) and Green tiger prawn (Panaeus semisulcatus) species caught in the Gulf of Antalya and to assess the health risks associated with their consumption. The average values (mg/kg d.w.) were calculated to be Pb (0.29 ± 0.14), Cd (0.02 ± 0.03), Zn (5.64 ± 1.58) and Cu (1.64 ± 1.02) in M. barbatus; Pb (0.22 ± 0.12), Cd (0.02 ± 0.01), Zn (7.66 ± 2.29) and Cu (1.33 ± 0.82) in M. cephalus; Pb (0.25 ± 0.16), Cd (0.04 ± 0.05), Zn (13.33 ± 3.34) and Cu (5.15 ± 2.09) in P. semisulcatus. The detected levels of the studied metals were below the legal and daily intake limits according to national and international standards, although the mean Pb level in M. barbatus was close to the legal limit (0.30 mg/kg). Target hazard quotient values were also all below 1, meaning that there is no health risk.

Heavy metals concentrations in fish and shellfish from eastern Mediterranean Sea: Consumption advisories

The present study evaluate concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn) in fish and shellfish from the Gulf of Catania. Heavy metal analysis was carried on with an ICP-MS, and consumption rates advisory for minimizing chronic systemic and non cancer endpoints in child and adults have been estimated. Among metals investigated, only Cd and Pb have a limit set by European Community for human consumption, and the thresholds were not been exceeded in analyzed species. The As, toxic in its inorganic form, have not a regulatory limit yet, but the Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization provide a reference dose, a cancer slope factor and a tolerable intake, applicable in the risk factors assessment. Arsenic target hazard quotient (THQ) values, suggest that human should minimizing meals/week of analyzed species to avoid deleterious effect during lifetime, furthermore, with As cancer risk assessment, for most of the fish, the risk for cancer is greater than the acceptable lifetime risk of 10–5. Our results give important finding about the consumption limits on certain metals, especially for As, all for minimizing potential health risks in population.

Heavy Metals Concentrations in Fish from Sicily (Mediterranean Sea) and Evaluation of Possible Health Risks to Consumers

Cadmium, lead, mercury and chromium concentrations in fish muscle tissue taken from various Sicilian areas were detected. Fish caught in Siracusa, nearby a petrochemical industrial area, were more contaminated by cadmium, lead and chromium (respectively 0.366, 0.32, 0.72 μg/g) than those from the other sites. In the Sicily Channel, we found the highest bioaccumulation of mercury (0.31 μg/g). Although some metals concentrations exceed the limits set by the European regulation, the estimated weekly intake was below the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake established by the European Food and Safety Authority, and the Target Hazard Quotient values indicate that there is no carcinogenic risk for humans.

Heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cd and Cr) in fish, water and sediments sampled form Southern Caspian Sea, Iran

Environmental pollution is a worldwide problem, heavy metals belonging to the most important pollutants. The progress of industries has led to increased emission of pollutants into ecosystems. Southern Caspian Sea coast is one of the most important aquasystems at the eastern south of Caspian Sea, which receives effluents discharges from heavily industrialized and highly populated settlements. Metals tend to accumulate in water and move up through the food chain. So, studies to ascertain the level of heavy metals in environment and determine potentially hazardous levels for human are necessary. In this investigation, concentration of four heavy metals (zinc [Zn], chromium (Cr), cadmium, [Cd] and lead [Pb]) in three species of most-consumed fishes, water and sediments have been determined. Samples were collected from 10 stations along the Southern coast of Caspian Sea, in spring 2008. Heavy metal concentrations were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Then, the data were analyzed by means of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical analysis. The results showed that the highest concentration of heavy metals in water and fish and sediment samples were related to Pb and Zn. The minimal and maximal concentrations of these metals in fishes, water and sediments were 53.67-2360.67 and 50.36-2497.25 for Pb and Zn, respectively. However, the observed heavy metals concentrations in fish, water and sediments were below the recommended limits. The investigation showed elevating levels of heavy metals in environment. Thus, a serious notification to industrial and manmade pollution, which can lead to ecosystem and food chain contamination, is necessary.

Temporal trends in the bioaccumulation of trace metals in herring, sprat, and cod from the southern Baltic Sea in the 1994–2003 period

This study is based on raw data obtained from 1 225 samples of herring ( Clupea harengus), sprat ( Sprattus sprattus), and cod ( Gadus morhua) collected in the 1994–2003 period from the Polish coastal zone of the Baltic Sea. This paper presents the results of investigations of the contents of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, and As in fish. The aim was to identify temporal trends in trace metal contamination and variations in the concentrations of Hg in the flesh of herring, sprat, and cod of different lengths. A positive correlation between fish length and Hg concentration was noted for cod, sprat, and herring. The temporal trend analyses of heavy metal concentrations in the fish in the 1994–2003 period indicated ten significant downward trends out of eighteen tests; these referred to concentrations of Cd, Hg, and Pb in all the species studied, and to As in sprat. Concentrations of Cu and Zn remained stable in all the species studied, as did As in herring and cod. No upward trends were detected in the concentration of trace metals in the fish studied. Smaller scale temporal variations in concentrations of some elements were also observed and were associated with natural events, such as increased river discharge resulting from floods. The most likely factors which contributed to the observed downward trends in heavy metals concentrations in fish could possibly stem from lesser quantities of Cd, Pb, and Hg being introduced to the Baltic Sea with the waters of rivers from Baltic countries, including Poland, and atmospheric depositions in the 1994–2003 period. Diminishing trends of concentrations of these elements in Baltic Sea waters are also evidence of this. These facts might indicate that advantageous changes are occurring in the concentrations of heavy metals in the southern Baltic environment.

Heavy metal concentrations in fish, shellfish and fish products from internal markets of India vis-a-vis international standards

Heavy metals are an important group of chemical contaminants and food is the major vehicle for entry into the system. Fish constitute a major source of heavy metals in food. Concentration of heavy metals in commercially important species of fish, shellfish and fish products from fish markets in and around the Cochin area was evaluated using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The concentration ranges of Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, As, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Ni, and Se in the samples were <0.07–1, <0.07–1.32, <0.05–2.31, <0.05 to 3.65, <0.1–4.14, 0.6 to 165, 0.15 to 24, <0.02 to 0.85, <0.08 to 9.2, <0.032–1.38 and; <0.03–1.35 mg/kg, respectively. The present study showed that different metals were present in the samples at different levels but within the maximum residual levels prescribed by the EU and USFDA and the fish and shellfish from these areas, in general, are safe for human consumption.