Assessment of Heavy Metals in Some Commercially Important Fish Species of the Bay of Bengal

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination of fish is a serious public health concern worldwide, including in Bangladesh. This study investigates the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Cr) in five commercially important fish species (Thunnus thynnus, Pampus chinensis, Chelon parsia, Tenualosa ilisha, and Lates calcarifer) from the Bay of Bengal by using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The heavy metal concentrations varied across species, with Tenualosa ilisha showing the highest levels of cadmium (0.099 mg/kg) and lead (0.766 mg/kg), which are close to the maximum allowable concentrations for these metals. Manganese and nickel concentrations were generally low and well within safety limits. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) for all metals, calculated based on a typical adult fish consumption rate, was found to be below the Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake (MTDI) levels, indicating that the consumption of these species does not present immediate health risks. However, the study emphasizes that chronic exposure to elevated levels of cadmium and lead, particularly through the consumption of Tenualosa ilisha, may present long-term health risks. This study underscores the need for continuous monitoring of heavy metal contamination in fish from the Bay of Bengal to protect public health and ensure the safety of seafood consumption.