Estimation of selected heavy metals in muscles of Cirrhinus mrigala and Cyprinus carpio From Bhakkar District, Punjab – Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Heavy metals have long been a cause for concern in our environment due to their toxicity when found in concentrations higher than permitted. These metals are discharged through a number of methods, including industrial processes in air, soil, and aquatic ecosystems. The most common kind of food in aquatic ecosystem is fish. This study aims to estimate the concentration of selected heavy metals with regards to toxicity in fish and health surveillance of human beings.  Fish occupies the top position in food pyramid and act as medium of transfer of heavy metals to humans. The basic purpose of this study was to determine concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Mn and Cr) in the muscles of Cirrhinus mrigala and Cyprinus carpio. Methods: Samples were collected from District Bhakkar (Dera-Bhakar bridge). Defrosted muscle samples were processed through wet acid digestion method following Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry for estimation of metal concentration. The numerical data was analyzed using ANOVA, SPSS software (version 20.0). Results: Results showed the non-significant (p<0.05) concentration of heavy metals in muscle samples. Results revealed the highest level of Cu (25.62±3.23 mg/kg) in the examined samples. There was also a significant rise in the level of Pb. The descending order of mean values were present in order of Cu>Pb>Mn>Cr. Conclusion: Based on estimated levels of targeted heavy metals, it is concluded that the concentration of heavy metals is found in permissible limits of WHO/FAO thus eating such fish does not present any risks to humans.