Ecotoxicological Assessment of Heavy Metal and Its Biochemical Effect in Fishes

Abstract

Level of toxic heavy metal concentration like lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) in thirty-six soft and hard organs and their impact on lipid profile of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Catla catla fish species inhibiting in Tanda Dam reservoir were investigated. The heavy metal concentrations in water, sediment, and fish of the different regions in the reservoir were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Lipid profile was carried out by AOAC official methods. The results showed that Pb was dominant among all the heavy metals in six organs, and its maximum concentration of Pb (22.5 mg kg-1 and 32.9 mg kg-1) was observed in scales in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and tail of Catla catla, respectively. The maximum concentrations of Cd were observed in the head, scales, fins, and gills of Catla catla. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals was significantly different at ( p ≤ 0.01 ) within the organs and between the fish species. The lipid concentration was minimum in those organs where the concentrations of heavy metals were maximum. It is clear from the findings that heavy metal accumulation reduces the lipid content of fish. It is inevitable to monitor the Tanda Dam reservoir to safeguard human health.

Effects of Trace Elements on the Fatty Acid Composition in Danubian Fish Species

“…In the reviewed studies with fish, a change in the content of PUFAs, MUFAs and SFAs was observed after exposure to organic and inorganic pollutants [ 4 , 56 , 57 ]. A notable observation from the results obtained was that the higher ƩSFA values were recorded in both fish species caught at VIS.…”

“…The accumulation and toxicity of metals in fish is multidirectional and leads to physiological and chemical changes in the body of fish. Metals can stimulate an excessive formation of reactive oxygen species and disrupt the balance of oxidation–reduction reactions, resulting in structural damage to lipids (primarily polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs)), proteins, and DNA [ 4 ]. The presence of contaminants such as metals can greatly affect fatty acid (FA) composition through changes in the relative abundance of individual fatty acids [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Content of Fatty Acids in Relation to the Metal Concentration in the Muscle of Two Freshwater Fish Species

“…The long-chain FA, i.e., omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA, are the two most important due to their multiple biological functions, such as reducing oxidative stress and protecting the cardiovascular system. The beneficial effects of consuming long-chain PUFA have been associated with positive effects on human health [42] In the reviewed studies with fish, a change in the content of PUFAs, MUFAs and SFAs was observed after exposure to organic and inorganic pollutants [5,43,44]. A notable observation from the results obtained was that the higher ƩSFA values were recorded in both fish species caught at VIS.…”

“…Xenobiotics attack cells and damage their structure and function, which can lead to apoptosis and necrosis. [5]. The presence of contaminants such as metals can greatly affect fatty acid composition [6][7][8][9].…”

Antioxidant Activity of Vitamin C and E Versus Oxidative Stress Induced by Heavy Metals in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

“…Some heavy metals in small quantities are essential for biological systems. Although some of them (Pb, Cd, & Hg) in high concentrations show adverse effects on living organisms that may be accompanied by disturbances in metabolic processes, growth, and reproduction with consequences for the entire trophic chain including even humans (Flora et al, 2008;Hermenean et al, 2015;Elbeshti et al, 2018;Marenkov et al, 2021;Haseeb et al, 2022). Among the species of aquatic animals, fish are permanent residents of this environment, which cannot escape the devastating effects of pollutants (Jacquin et al, 2020;Facey et al, 2022).…”