Assessing potential health risks of heavy metal contamination in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and redbelly tilapia (Coptodon zillii) from the Shatt al-Arab River, Basrah, Iraq

This study aimed to assess the concentrations of selected trace elements in the edible tissues of two fish species available in the Shatt al-Arab River in Basrah Province, southern Iraq. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and redbelly tilapia (Coptodon zillii) were purchased from a fisherman who sells fish daily on the Shatt al-Arab riverbank. Using an X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometer, the concentrations of Ba, Cu, Mo, Pb, Zn, Co, Cr, Ni, V, Sr, Zr, and Ce were determined. Ba, Cu, Mo, Pb, and Zr were not detected in any of the samples analyzed. Except for zinc, the levels of the remaining elements were higher than the permitted limits set by international standards; there were no significant differences (p>0.05) between the two fish species. The results suggest that consuming large quantities of these fish may pose health concerns for humans. In addition, this study provides useful information on the levels of some trace elements in the mentioned fish species, which can be used as a reference for future studies.