Evaluation of copper, lead and arsenic level in tilapia fish in Cempaka Lake (Bangi, Malaysia) and human daily/weekly intake

Abstract

In recent years, many studies have stated the nutritional benefits of fish consumption: vitamins, proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, which may protect humans from adverse health effects, including heart disease and stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of Cu, Pb and As in the liver, gills and muscles of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) and to calculate the weekly intake from eating tilapia collected from Cempaka Lake, Selangor -Peninsular Malaysia during the period between April 2009 to February 2010. The elemental concentrations were determined using inductively -coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that all heavy metal concentrations were significantly different among fish organs, and between calendar months. The data showed that Cu levels in liver, gills and muscles were 491.30, 3.70 and 1.82 µg/g dry weight (dw), respectively. Meanwhile Pb levels were 2.71, 1.04 and 0.48 µg/g dw, respectively and As levels were 6.26, 4.18 and 1.79 µg/g dw, respectively. Significant changes occurred in Cu, Pb and As levels in tilapia fish organs in Cempaka Lake over the period of 11 months. Tilapia weekly intake was calculated based on mean Cu, Pb and As concentrations in the muscle of tilapia fish and adult consumption of tilapia in Malaysia which averages at 160 grams per day. Furthermore, tilapia weekly and daily human intakes for Cu, Pb and As were compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) established by the JECFA (WHO/FAO) presenting values below the PTWI. Metal levels in fish muscle were found to be lower than the maximum permitted concentrations recommended by various authorities; hence, consumption of tilapia fish from Cempaka Lake is currently safe for humans.

Study on heavy metal content of Oreochromis niloticus, Heteropneustes fossilis and Pangasius sutchi collected from pond and open water

“…The Cu levels in liver, gills and muscles of tilapia fish were 491.30, 3.70 and 1.82 μg/g dry weight (dw), respectively and significant changes occurred in Cu levels in tilapia fish organs (Taweel et al, 2013). The results are higher than the present study.…”

Insight into the correlation between parasitic infestation and heavy metal concentrations in tilapia species inhabiting Lake Nasser, Egypt

“…In Egypt, the contamination of freshwater aquatic environments with toxic substances, especially heavy metals, has threatened public water supplies, aquatic life and ecosystem health (Ezzat et al, 2012;Rashed, 2001). Heavy metal contamination is an ecological stressor, increasing fish susceptibility to fish pathogens inhabiting the surrounding water (Eisler, 1993;Ezzat et al, 2012;Taweel et al, 2013).…”

Comparative Study on Proximate Composition and Heavy Metal Concentration of Molacarplet (Amblypharyngodon mola) and Spotted Snakehead (Channa punctatus) Collected from Pond Water and Open Water

“…In another study, Ahmed et al (2010) found highest Cu in C. punctatus (5.27 mgkg -1 ) and lowest in G. chapra (4.25 mgkg -1 ) in a heavily polluted river of Bangladesh, Buriganga River during pre-monsoon. The Cu levels in liver, gills and muscles of tilapia fish were found 491.30, 3.70 and 1.82 μg/g in dry weight (dw) basis, respectively by Taweel et al (2013) and significant changes occurred in Cu levels in tilapia fish organs. These values are higher than the values obtained in the present study.…”