Bioaccumulation of Metals in Various Tissues of Fish Species in Relation to Fish Size and Gender and Health Risk Assessment

Purpose of Review

This study was aimed at identifying the differences in the levels of 17 metals and elements (MEs) between fish species (Capoeta tinca and Squalius pursakensis) and fish tissues (muscle, gills, and liver), at identifying the effect of fish gender and fish size (length and weight) on bioaccumulation of MEs in tissues, at assessing both health risks and benefits of MEs in fish muscle, and at defining safe fish consumption quantities for consumers.

Recent Findings

The levels of most MEs in tissues did not differ significantly between both fish species. The gills had higher levels of most MEs than the liver and muscle. Only a few MEs in the tissues of both fish species demonstrated significant associations with fish length or weight. There were no significant differences between male and female fish in terms of the levels of most metals in tissues. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of metals were below the reference doses. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values were less than 1. Carcinogenic risk (CR) values were within or below the acceptable range. Also, maximum safe fish consumption quantities (MSCQs) were established for consumers.

Summary

Because both fish species were collected from the same water body and had the same habitat preferences, the levels of most MEs did not differ significantly in the tissues of both fish species. Because the gills and liver are metabolically active organs, they had higher levels of MEs than the muscle. The relationships between the levels of MEs in the tissues and fish size were both unclear and inconsistent. The results indicated that ME accumulation in tissues of individuals within the same species was not significantly influenced by gender. The THQ, HI, CR, and EDI values indicated that no adverse health consequences are expected for consumers. It was established that daily consumption of less than 50 g of C. tinca or 80 g of S. pursakensis would not be harmful to consumers’ health. Nutritional evaluation results indicated that both fish species are good sources of essential MEs. Therefore, consumption of the fish species would bring tremendous health benefits.