Heavy metal concentrations in commonly consumed fish species and associated health risks in coastal Bangladesh

Toxic levels of heavy metals (HMs) and environmental contaminants pose severe dangers to health and the environment. Thus, concentrations of HMs across nine distinct species of fish (Spotted snakehead (SS; Channa punctata), Indian catfish (IC; Callichrus pabda), Tyangra (TG; Mystus cavasius), Yellow tail mullet (YM; Sicamugili cascasia), Panna croaker (PC; Panna microdon), Gora chela (GC; Securicula gora), Bombay duck (BD; Harpadon nehereus), Gangetic sillago (GS; Sillaginopsis panjus), and Chinese silvery pomfret (CP; Pampus chinensis)) gathered from the sea, rivers and ponds in the southern parts of Patuakhali district were assessed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The concentration pattern of HMs showed the following trend: Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd; nevertheless, all of these values were much below the FAO/WHO maximum levels (MLs). Sea fish contained slightly higher amounts of HMs compared to the river and pond species. The sea fishes had the highest single-factor pollution index (PI) and hazard quotients for Pb, Cr, and Ni. The single-factor Pollution index and hazard quotients for Pb, Cr, and Ni were greatest among saltwater fish. Children were projected to have the greatest hazard index (HI), which suggests concerning circumstances for this demographic group. Continuous monitoring of HMs status in fishes should be enforced throughout Bangladesh and those HMs need to be controlled to safe guard public health.