Evaluation of Heavy Metal Concentration in Different Organs of Labeo rohita in Water and Sediment of Marala Ravi Link Canal (MRL) and Upper Chenab Canal (UCC) of Chenab River, Pakistan, and Their Health Implications.

Abstract

Heavy metals (HMs) increasing rate in riverine water by human activities cause serious hazards to the health and sustainability of aquatic environments. The present study examines the accumulation of HMs (Ni, Mn, Pb, Cr) in water, sediments, and Labeo rohita fish of MRL and UCC, Chenab River Pakistan, and its implications on human health. Fish 36 specimens were collected with an average body weight of 170 ± 20 g. The results revealed that HM concentration in fish organs of MRL and UCC found in gills: Ni 8.57 ± .01, Mn 7.57 ± .01, Cr 5.20 ± .01, Pb 2.56 ± .01; Ni 8.20 ± .01, Mn 7.19 ± .01, Cr 4.78 ± .01, Pb 2.19 ± .01; liver: Mn 9.54 ± .01, Ni 6.98 ± .01, Cr 4.75 ± .01, Pb 4.66 ± .01; Mn 9.15 ± .01, Ni 6.48 ± .01, Pb 4.26 ± .01, Cr 4.22 ± .01; and muscle: Ni 4.94 ± .01, Mn 4.86 ± .02, Cr 1.73 ± .01, Pb 1.50 ± .01; Ni 4.48 ± .02, Mn 4.29 ± .01, Cr 1.28 ± .01, Pb 1.25 ± .02, respectively. BCF in gills, liver, and muscle found MN > Ni > Pb > Cr; Mn > Ni > Cr > Pb; Mn > Ni > Cr > Pb, respectively. THQ value for individual metal observed THQ < 1, which signifies no adverse effects, while the combined THQ value of investigated HMs found (1.094, 1.149) THQ > 1, which signifies expected adverse effects on human health during lifetime. HI values 2.23 and 2.16 observed HI > 1 indicated that consumption of studied fish contaminated with HMs cause a possible health risk. HM concentration was also observed higher than the permissible limits of TRV/USEPA/WHO in water and sediments. Therefore, consumption of investigated fish L. rohita can accumulate an estimated concentration of 1 × 14.10^-4 to 4.50 × 10^-4 (mg/kg, ww)/day of Cr, Mn, Ni, and Pb which exceeded the permissible limit of 1 × 10^-4 to 1 × 10^-6 of FAO/WHO and specifying possible carcinogenic threats for humans.