Accumulation of trace elements in muscle, gill and liver of fish species (Capoeta umbla and Luciobarbus mystaceus) in the Tigris River (Turkey), and health risk assessment

The Bioaccumulations of Metal(loid)s in the Tissues of Invasive Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) Fish from the Kızılırmak River (Türkiye) and Health Risk Assessment

The present research was an examination of the concentration levels of 10 metal(loid)s that had accumulated in the muscle, gills, and liver tissues of Carassius gibelio (Prussian carp) fish. The fish species, used as samples in the study, were obtained from the part of the river in Gülşehir (Türkiye). Besides, possible health risks to consumers were specified based on the daily estimated intake (EDI) of metal(loid)s in adults. Additionally, considering the inhabitants' frequency of fish consumption in the area, target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), carcinogenic risk (CR), and maximum safe consumption quantity (MSCQ) values were assessed. All of the examined metal(loid)s in the research were determined in all of the tissues of the fish. Also, Fe and Zn had the highest levels in the tissues, and Pb had the lowest level. There were statistically significant differences of Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb among the tissues (p < 0.05). It was determined that the gender of the fish did not affect the accumulation of the metal(loid)s in the tissues. According to the research results, no significant statistical difference was found between the accumulation of the metal(loid)s (except Ni) and the size of the fish (length and weight) (p > 0.05). The estimated daily intake levels of the metal(loid)s accumulating in the eatable muscle of the samples were calculated to be lower than the reference dose limit. Besides, the THQ and the HI values lower than 1 were found. Carcinogenic risk values related to inorganic As were below 10-6. This result specifies that consumption of the fish poses no carcinogenic risks to consumers' health. It was concluded that less than 70 g of C. gibelio daily consumption would not harm consumers' health.

The Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in the Water and Tissues of Invasive Fish Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) and Non-carcinogenic Health Risk Assessment from Meriç Delta Wetland, Türkiye

Meriç Delta, which has a wide variety of ecosystems, is an A Class Wetland and the most significant natural stagnant freshwater ecosystem located in the south-western of Thrace Region of Türkiye. In this research, heavy metals (Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb) were investigated in the surface water and Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) obtained from Meriç Delta lakes (Gala, Pamuklu, Sığırcı, and Dalyan), which are located on an important migration route of water birds. The heavy metals in surface water samples and fish tissues were determined by ICP-MS. Dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation (%), pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and total phosphorus parameters were measured in surface waters. High total phosphorus content was detected in the investigated region. The measured As, Cr, and Ni values in water samples were determined to be higher than Türkiye Regulation Standards criteria. Fish were taken from Gala and Sığırcı Lake. The mean concentrations of measured heavy metals were found to be below permissible values in fish muscle and gill. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and total THQ values (HI) of all heavy metals did not exceed the limit value.

Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Highly Consumed Pelagic and Benthic Fish and Associated Health Risk

The present study investigated the levels of Manganese (Mn), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb) and Iron (Fe) in the tissues of a benthic fish (Clarias gariepinus) and a pelagic fish (Oreochromis niloticus), which are highly consumed in Ghana. The fish were collected from the Weija reservoir, which is an important source of fishery and potable water in Accra, Ghana. The results indicate heavy metal accumulation in all the tissues (gills, liver and muscles) analyzed. The bioaccumulation of all the metals was lowest in the muscles compared to the liver and gills in both species. The bioaccumulation of the metals was generally higher in the tissues of the catfish, except for Fe and Zn. Fe was higher in the gills and liver of the tilapia, and Zn was higher in the liver of the tilapia. The analysis of relationships between metal levels in the different tissues and the size of the fish showed a few significant correlations. The results also showed that all metals showed no potential health risk to consumers, as THQs and TTHQs in tilapia and catfish were less than one, and the metal levels in both species were all below the FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits.

Distribution and bioaccumulation of trace elements in two Cyprinidae fish species in the Indus river, Pakistan, including the impact of hydraulic structure on macroinvertebrates' biodiversity

The concentration of trace elements (chromium, lead, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron) was determined in water, sediment and tissues of two Cyprinidae fish species - Labeo rohita and Tor putitora - collected from the eight sampling stations of Indus River in 2022 for four successive seasons (autumn, winter, spring, summer), and also study the present condition of macroinvertebrates after the construction of hydraulic structure. The obtained results of trace element concentrations in the Indus River were higher than the acceptable drinking water standards by WHO. The nitrate concentration ranges from 5.2 to 59.6 mg l-1, turbidity ranges from 3.00 to 63.9 NTU, total suspended solids and ammonium ions are below the detection limit (<0.05). In the liver, highest dry wt trace elements (μg/g) such as Cr (4.32), Pb (7.07), Zn (58.26), Cu (8.38), Mn (50.27), and Fe (83.9) for the Labeo rohita; and Tor Putitora has significantly greater accumulated concentration (Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) in muscle and liver than did Labeo rohita species. Additionally, lower number of macroinvertebrates were recorded during the monsoonal season than pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. Local communities surrounded by polluted environments are more probably to consume more fish and expose them to higher concentrations of toxic trace elements (lead and copper). The findings also provide a basis for broader ecological management of the Indus River, which significantly influenced human beings and socioeconomic disasters, particularly in the local community.

Heavy metal concentrations in various tissues of two fish species from Damsa Dam Lake (Turkey) and associated health risk assessment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW AND METHOD

In this study, indicate the average or range of 10 heavy metal concentrations in muscle, gills and liver of two fish species (Squalius pursakensis and Cyprinus carpio) living in the Damsa Dam Lake (Turkey) was examined in relation to fish gender and size. Inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals. The average contents of the metals in S. pursakensis muscle samples were 0.877, 9.285, 0.614, 0.488, 8.190, 0.155, 0.015, 0.010, 0.218, 0.009 mg/kg for Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Co, Cr and Pb respectively. On the other hand, the average contents of the metals in C. carpio muscle samples were 0.673, 8.001, 0.367, 0.435, 6.107, 0.188, 0.007, 0.007, 0.371, 0.012 mg/kg for Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Co, Cr and Pb respectively. In addition, human health risks were evaluated considering the estimated daily intake of heavy metals in adults. The target hazard quotient, hazard index and carcinogenic risk values were determined based on the frequency of fish consumption for the population living in the region.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

The highest quantities of all heavy metals were determined in the gills and liver of the fish species. The levels of most heavy metals in tissues did not differ significantly between both fish species. Only a few heavy metals in the tissues of both fish species demonstrated significant associations with fish length or weight. In terms of the levels of most of the heavy metals in the tissues, there weren't any significant differences between the male and the female fish. The estimated daily intakes of all of the heavy metals were lower than the reference doses. The values of the target hazard quotient and the hazard index were found to be below 1 and the values regarding carcinogenic risk were assessed to be within or lower than the permissible levels. Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and inorganic As values assessed in the muscle tissues of fish were found below the values acceptable by national and international institutions. These results proved that the examined fish species can be consumed safely.

De-novo exposure assessment of heavy metals in commercially important fresh and dried seafood: Safe for human consumption

The heavy metals (HMs) in seafood are alarming due to their biomagnification in the food chain. The concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cr, and Ni in both fresh and dried fish were quantified, and the potential exposure and safe intake levels for human consumption were assessed by the European Commission (EC) and the Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). HMs concentrations ranged from 0.003 mg/kg (Cr) to 2.08 mg/kg for (As) and 0.007 mg/kg (Hg) to 2.76 mg/kg (As). Cd, Hg, and Pb levels in fresh and dried fish were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the EC and FSSAI, which were 0.1 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively. Cr and As concentrations were also below the MRLs of 12 mg/kg and 76 mg/kg for aquatic products specified by FSSAI. The concentration of HMs in fresh and dried fish was found in the order of As > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd > Hg and As > Cd > Cr > Ni > Pb > Hg, while the fresh and dried fishes contained HMs in the following order: E. areolatus > S. longiceps > L.lentjen > S. barracuda > E. affinis > S. javus and DA > DS > DR > DB > DSF. The metal pollution index (MPI) validates seafood is HMs free, while the single (Pi) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (Pnw) indicate that concentrations of Cd and As in fresh and dried fish have exceeded the threshold value. The target hazard quotient (THQ<1), hazard index (HI < 1), and target cancer risk (TCR<10-4) indicate that there are no non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks through the consumption of seafood and seafood products collected from the Tuticorin coast and marketed at the domestic and international levels. The preliminary findings emphasize the importance of formulating domestic legislation/government initiatives to promote seafood and its consumption. The attainment of this objective shall be facilitated by examining the levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in seafood and evaluating its potential risk to consumers.

Assessment of human health hazard associated with heavy metal accumulation in popular freshwater, coastal and marine fishes from south-west region, Bangladesh

An analysis was conducted on both freshwater, coastal and marine fish species to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals, with the aim of assessing their levels and examining the potential health risks for humans linked to the consumption of contaminated fish. This study estimate concentrations of Cr, Fe, Cu, As, Cd and Pb in 60 individuals belonging to 20 species (10 species for freshwater and another 10 for coastal and marine fishes) by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Metal concentrations of Cr, Fe, and Pb in freshwater fishes and Cr, Fe, As, and Pb in marine fishes were exceeded the maximum allowable concentration (MAC). The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Average Pollution Load Index (APLI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI) and Target Cancer Risk (TCR) of heavy metals were determined for the assessment of human health risk. Ranking order of the values of EDI for freshwater fishes, coastal and marine fishes were Cd > Fe > Pb > Cr > Cu > As and Cd > Fe > Pb > Cr > As > Cu. Highest APLI value of 8.14 (Puntius ticto) that is seriously polluted and 3.003 observed in Otolichthoides pama in freshwater and marine fishes, respectively. THQPb and THQAs for all the fish species were exceed the safe limit (THQ>1) suggesting potential health risk to consumers. The hazard index for both the fish samples were exceeded the USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) permitted risk level (HI > 1). The target carcinogenic risk value for Cr and As were crossed the USEPA standard limit (TCR> 1E-04), which denotes that continuous consumption of studied fishes may cause health risk to the consumers. On the other hand, sensitivity analysis of freshwater, coastal and marine fishes indicates that all the metal concentrations were responsible factor for health risk.

Comparative assessment of human health risk associated with heavy metals bioaccumulation in fish species (Barbus grypus and Tenualosa ilisha) from the Karoon River, Iran: Elucidating the role of habitat and feeding habits

Concentrations of Cd, Ni, and Pb were measured in the liver and muscle tissues of benthic omnivorous (Barbus grypus) and pelagic herbivorous (Tenualosa ilisha) fish collected from two sampling sites along the Karoon River, Khuzestan Province, southwest of Iran. Potential human health risks were evaluated by measuring the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TR). The results highlight the important role of habitat and feeding habits in the uptake of HMs by the two species. The EDI for all HMs exceeded the oral reference doses (RfDo) provided by the USEPA, indicating the two fish species are not entirely safe for human consumption. The THQ values were within the permissible limit (< 1), while HI values (> 1) showed there was non-carcinogenic risk for consumers. The TR values for Pb were within the acceptable range (1.00E-06-1.00E-04) for both species.

Bioaccumulation and human health risk assessment of some heavy metals in sediments, Sparus aurata and Salicornia europaea in Güllük Lagoon, the south of Aegean Sea

In the current study, it was aimed to determine the sediment in Sparus aurata (Linnaeus 1758) tissues and Salicornia europaea L. Cu, Zn Fe, Hg, Cd, Pb and Mn concentration distributions in Güllük Lagoon which is located in the south of Aegean Sea and under the influence of anthropogenic activities by means of metal pollution and health indices and to investigate the effects of these metals on public health. The concentration range of Cu, Zn, Fe, Hg, Cd, Pb and Mn in sediment samples was determined as 12.16-26.00, 1.62-2.03, 7.77-8.36, 7.52-16.15, 0.071-0.40, 7.99-13.74 and 12.11-12.63 mg kg^-1, respectively. Cu and Hg concentrations in sediment were found to be higher than sediment quality guidelines standards. In addition, according to the enrichment factor (EF), Hg, Cd and Cu were found to show above moderate enrichment. Cu, Zn, Fe, Hg, Cd and Mn concentrations in S. aurata muscle tissue were 1.31 ± 2.30, 1.01 ± 0.24, 3.43 ± 0.75, 2.79 ± 0.85, 0.01 ± 0.01 and 1.80 ± 1.12 mg kg^-1, respectively. S. europaea heavy metals (HMs) concentrations were determined as Cu = 10.97 ± 3.20, Zn = 0.74 ± 0.62, Fe = 5.69 ± 0.22, Hg = 9.62 ± 8.84, Cd = 0.53 ± 0.33, Pb = 0.22 ± 0.26 and Mn = 8.61 ± 0.14 mg kg^-1. It was seen that Hg in S. aurata muscle tissue and Hg in S. europaea concentrations exceeded the limit values determined for consumption purposes. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) values were found to be < 1 for S. aurata and S. europaea. When all these results were considered, it was determined that the metals that could pose a potential ecological and health risk were Hg, Cd and Cu in the study area.

Determination of metals in estuarine fishes in a metropolitan region of the coastal zone of the Brazilian Amazon

The aim of the present study was to determine concentrations of cadmium, copper, chromium, manganese and iron in fishes in the São Marcos (SMB), São Jose (SJB) and Arraial (AB) Bays. Metal concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Mean Cd and Cr levels were above the permissible limits set by different international or national guidelines in all three bays, whereas copper levels were well below the maximum acceptable limit. High concentrations of iron were found in all species analyzed, whereas high concentrations of manganese were found, especially in specimens caught in SJB. Spatial analysis indicated significant differences among the elements investigated. Copper was correlated more with SMB and AB as well as the species Macrodon ancylodon (carnivore) and Sciades herzbergii (omnivore). Cadmium and iron were strongly associated with AB and SJB, while manganese was only associated with SJB, mainly in carnivorous and herbivorous species.

Levels of metals and elements in tissues of fish species in the Kızılırmak River (Turkey) and assessment of health risks and nutritional benefits

Although the Kızılırmak River, the longest river in Turkey, is home to many fish species, there are a few studies reporting metal levels in fish in the river. The contents of 17 metals and elements (MEs) in various tissues of three fish species and surface water from the river were investigated. Significant differences in the ME levels among tissues were recorded, and the highest levels of most MEs were recorded in the gills and liver. The results revealed that correlations between MEs in tissues and fish size were not clear and consistent. Among the MEs, P (6058-109489) and Zn (933-47556) had the highest bioconcentration factor values. The levels of As and Cd in the river water exceeded water quality criteria. Health risk assessment methods (Target Hazard Quotient, Estimated Daily Intake and Lifetime Carcinogenic Risk) indicated that consumption of the studied fish species is safe. It was estimated that a weekly consumption of 490 g of C. gibelio, or 350 g of C. carpio or 280 g of T. tinca would not cause any health risks. Furthermore, it was found that fish species would provide significant benefits in terms of intake of nutrients such as P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn. These findings revealed that nutritional benefits from consumption of fish species outweigh the health risks posed by metals in fish.

Species, tissue and gender-related metal and element accumulation in fish species in a large reservoir (Turkey) and health risks and nutritional benefits for consumers

Concentrations of 18 metals and elements (MEs) in the gills, skin, muscle and liver of Carasobarbus luteus and Cyprinus carpio from the Atatürk Reservoir in Turkey were investigated. The results revealed that variations in the ME contents between fish species can be attributed to different diets. The highest contents of most MEs were recorded in the gills. Gender had no significant effect on the contents of most MEs in the tissues of fish species investigated. The relations between MEs in tissues and fish size were not clear and consistent. Health risk assessment methods indicated that consumption of the studied fish species is safe. It was estimated that daily consumption of 140 g of C. carpio or 170 g of C. luteus would not be expected to cause any health risks. Furthermore, it was found that fish species would provide significant benefits in terms of intake of essential MEs.

Transgenerational effects of zinc in zebrafish following early life stage exposure

Although toxic effects of zinc (Zn) have been well established in the different developmental stages in fish, long-lasting effects of Zn exposure during embryonic development have not been explored. Exposure to an environmentally relevant Zn concentration of 10 μM (650 μg/L) during the first five days after fertilization did not affect survival, body weight, malformations or overall hatching success of F0 and F1 larvae. Zn exposure did, however, result in delayed hatching in both the F0 and F1 generations and caused significant changes in homeostasis of Zn and selenium (Se) in F0 and F1 fish. This was especially pronounced when F1 embryos from Zn-exposed parents were treated with 30 μM (2000 μg/L) Zn. In the F0 generation, skewed sex ratio towards males and changes in homeostasis of Zn, Se and manganese (Mn) in the brain, gill, liver and gonad of adult fish were also observed. These changes were associated with altered expression of Zn- and Mn-regulatory genes and sex differentiation genes in F0 and F1 fish. The present study suggests that fish may carry memory from embryo-larval Zn exposure into adulthood and further to the next generation. The present study shows that ecotoxicological risk of an exposure to Zn during embryo-larval development may persist long after recovery and may also manifest in the F1 generation.

Managing Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Children

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare pediatric tumor. It differs from its adult counterpart in many ways like etiology, biological behavior, and association with cirrhosis. Treating HCC requires a multidisciplinary team involving pediatric gastroenterology, oncology, hepatobiliary surgery, and interventional radiology. This case series aims to describe presenting features and management plan of three children with HCC treated at a tertiary care liver transplant center in Pakistan.

Ecological and human health risk assessment of trace element pollution in sediments and five important commercial fishes of the Oman Sea

The distribution of trace elements in sediments and five commercially important fish species of the Oman Sea were assessed using an atomic absorption spectrometer to determine ecological and human health risk assessment. The ranges of trace elements concentration in sediments were: Cr: 5.42-68.94, Zn: 5.22-18.11, Cu: 1.44-4.87, As: 18.07-79.96, Cd: 0.10-1.27, Ni: 43.0-65.34 and Pb: 8.92-30.53 mg/kg dry weight. Cr, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb were below the ERL (effects range low) and TEL (threshold effect level) values at all the sampling stations with rarely biological effects. Whereas, As and Ni were higher than ERL and TEL with occasionally biological effects. The patterns of trace elements bioaccumulation in the tissues of all species were: liver> skin> gill> muscle. A significant positive correlation suggests that trace elements accumulation in fish is determined by trace elements in sediments. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) was significantly lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI) value. Target Hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) and target carcinogenic risk (TR) values indicated no hazard risk from fish consumption. Hence, the consumption of concerned species to people in the Oman Sea is safe.

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown period on surface water quality in the Meriç-Ergene River Basin, Northwest Turkey

The surface water resources in the Meriç-Ergene River Basin, especially Ergene River and Çorlu Stream are among the most polluted rivers in Turkey. Despite the action plans for prevention and control of surface water pollution in the basin, the desired results have not been achieved. However, the implementation of a nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 might probably lead to an improvement in the surface water quality. We evaluated the impact of the lockdown on water quality by measuring the levels of physico-chemical variables and metal(loid)s in water samples taken from 25 sampling stations in the basin. BOD, COD, EC, turbidity, TSS and Mn levels did not show significant differences between the pre-lockdown and lockdown periods due to the ongoing domestic wastewater discharges and agricultural activities in the basin during the lockdown period. However, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, As, Pb and Cd concentrations decreased considerably during the lockdown. Similarly, heavy metal pollution index and heavy metal evaluation index values showed a significant improvement in water quality of almost all stations during the lockdown period. Also, total hazard index values for children and adults reduced by 67% and 69%, respectively during the lockdown period, while total carcinogenic risk values for As and Cr reduced by 60% and 94%, respectively. The limited operational status of most industrial facilities in the basin during the lockdown reduced the amount of industrial effluents, leading to significant improvement in surface water quality for metal(loid)s. The lockdown has shown that the solution for preservation and sustainability of natural water resources lies in our hands, and the efficient management of pollution sources can prevent surface water pollution at a very rapid pace. Finally, we suggest that water management policy needs to be improved and implemented.

Changes in Cadmium Concentration in Muscles, Ovaries, and Eggs of Silver European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) during Maturation under Controlled Conditions

This study determined the contents of cadmium (Cd) in the muscles, ovaries, and eggs of silver female European eels. The analysis of cadmium content was performed on female European eels caught during commercial fishing in freshwater in Warmia and Mazury (Poland), and then subjected to artificial maturation and ovulation processing under controlled conditions. The content of cadmium (Cd) in the tissues was determined by flameless atomic spectrometry using an electrothermal atomizer. The analysis showed statistically significant differences between the cadmium content in the muscles, ovaries, and eggs (p < 0.05) of female European eels. The lowest cadmium content was found in the muscle tissue (0.0012 ± 0.0001 mg kg-1 wet weight) and the highest in eggs (after ovulation) (0.0038 ± 0.0007 mg kg-1 wet weight). Moreover, a relationship was found between the cadmium content in the muscle tissue and the ovaries (R = 0.673; p = 0.0117) in the same fish. The movement of cadmium from tissues to oocytes may indicate a significant problem concerning this heavy metal content in the reproduction of European eel.