Evaluation of heavy metals in different fish samples from different water sources in Odisha: Animal and human health risk assessment

Different chemical contaminants are released into water bodies which include radionuclides, Pthalates, aliphatic and aromatic chemicals, also heavy metals. They cause inintended changes in physiological and biological components of the ecosystem which ultimately disrupts the balance of ecology and affect people directly or indirectly. So we planned to assess the concentrations of Zinc, Mercury, Iron, Copper & Chromium in different fish samples (in liver and muscle). Total 36 fishes of 5 different species were collected from Mahanadi River, Puri sea, and Chilika lake water bodies. Fishes were procured from local fish markets at local places. Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus cirrhosis, Bhekti, Pomfret, Tuna fish species were selected for assessment because these are the major fishes consumed by people. By using ICP-OES instrument levels of metal concentrations were measured. Amongst all fish species, more metals found accumulated in Cirrhinus cirrhosis (Mrigal) followed by Labeo rohita procured from Mundali village market. In comparison to the muscle sample, the liver sample had a higher concentration of metals. The average and range of metals concentrations found in the liver sample of Mahanadi river fish were (in mg/L): Cr (0.78), Cu (17.28), Fe (58.71), Zn (19.30), Hg (0.20). In Puri sea fishes it was Cr (0.67), Cu (15.18), Fe (55.44), Zn (17.48), Hg (0.13). In Chilika lake fishes, Cr (0.58), Cu (14.52), Fe (50.23), Zn (12.66), Hg (0.13) were found. Statistically Significant difference of amount of metals were observed in Mahanadi River, Puri sea and Chilika locations. The average and range of different metals concentration found in a muscle sample of Mahanadi river fish were in mg/L: Cr (0.25), Cu (4.95), Fe (20.20), Zn (7.03), Hg (0.08). In Puri sea fish it were Cr (0.14), Cu (3.99), Fe (18.29), Zn (6.89), Hg (0.05). There was statistically significant difference in amounts of metals observed in fishes of Mahanadi River, Puri Sea and Chilika Lake. The metal concentrations found in edible parts of fish samples were below the maximum level set by WHO, FAO, USEPA and USFDA. So the fishes of these locations are safe for human consumption.