Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in some commercially important fishes from a tropical river estuary suggests higher potential health risk in children than adults

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219336
• Publication Date: 2019-10-17T18:05:57Z
• Authors: A. S. Shafiuddin ...; Sharmin Sultana; Ahasan Habib; Hadayet Ullah; Najiah Musa; M. Belal Hossain; Md. Mahfujur Rahman; Md. Shafiqul Isla...
• Keywords: Hazard quotient; Biomagnification

The Karnaphuli River estuary, located in southeast coast of Bangladesh, is largely exposed to heavy metal contamination as it receives a huge amount untreated industrial effluents from the Chottagram City. This study aimed assess concentrations five metals (As, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu) their bioaccumulation status six commercially important fishes, also evaluate potential human health risk for local consumers. hierarchy measured concentration level (mg/kg) was follows: Pb (13.88) > Cu (12.10) As (4.89) (3.36) Cd (0.39). Fulton's condition factor denoted that fishes were better 'condition' most species positive allometric growth. factors (BAFs) contaminants observed following orders: (1971.42) (1042.93) (913.66) (864.99) (252.03), among specimens, demersal fish, Apocryptes bato appeared be bioaccumulative organism. Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), index (HI) carcinogenic (CR) assessed implications suggest values within acceptable threshold both adults children. However, calculated CR indicated age groups not far risk, HI demonstrated children nearly 6 times more susceptible non-carcinogenic effects than adults.