SPATIAL AND GENDER-SPECIFIC TOXICOKINETICS PATTERNS OF HEAVY METALS IN CYPRINUS CARPIO FROM RIVER JHELUM, PAKISTAN

This study investigates the accumulation patterns of zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) in the muscles of Cyprinus carpio from River Jhelum, Pakistan. Forty fish samples were collected from Akram Shaheed Bridge and Rasul Barrage, and heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Fish provides important proteins, vitamins and polyunsaturated omega -3 fatty acids but these products are affected by the contamination of fish habitat. The heavy metals are non-biodegradable so cause severs health risks for fish due their bioaccumulation. Diverse fractions from the body of male/female fish were analyzed revealing 26.9401-28.4017μg/g, 0.7419-0.8774μg/g and 2.5073-2.9193μg/g; the concentrations for Zinc, Chromium and Copper respectively. There is no significant effect of sex on metal concentrations (p>0.05). However, Zn and Cu concentrations were higher in males, while Cr was higher in females. The mean concentrations of Zn, Cr, and Cu were higher at Rasul Barrage than Akram Shaheed Bridge. The concentrations of Zn and Cu were within permissible limits, while Cr levels exceeded recommended values. The study suggests that anthropogenic activities, such as industrial and domestic waste, contribute to heavy metal pollution in River Jhelum. Continuous monitoring of heavy metal levels in fish and water is necessary to prevent potential health risks to humans and aquatic life.