Human health risks assessment related to heavy metal bioaccumulation in the muscle tissues of <i>Cyprinus carpio</i>, <i>Sander lucioperca</i> and <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i> from Moroccan continental waters

The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by heavy metals represents a major environmental issue due to their toxicity, persistence, and ability to bioaccumulate within the food chain.The Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), pike-perch (Sander lucioperca), and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) are key indicators of this contamination, as they can accumulate these metals at potentially toxic concentrations.The bioaccumulation of zinc, iron, copper, manganese, chromium, and aluminum in the muscle of the three studied fish species from the Al Massira reservoir was assessed to estimate the health risks related to their consumption.Iron and zinc represent the highest concentrations, respectively (46.77 mg/kg of dry weight for Cyprinus carpio, 48.73 mg/kg of dry weight for Sander lucioperca, and 38.41 mg/kg for Oreochromis niloticus) and (56.22 mg/kg of dry weight for Cyprinus carpio, 29.43 mg/kg of dry weight for Sander lucioperca, and 34.41 mg/kg for Oreochromis niloticus).The analysis of parameters such as the estimated weekly intake (EWI), the percentage of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (%PTWI), the maximum allowable daily intake (CRlim), the estimated daily intake (EDI), the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the hazard index (HI) helps to better understand the risks associated with the consumption of these contaminated fish.The results show that the levels of heavy metals in the three fish species studied remain below the thresholds for non-carcinogenic risks.The hazard index (HI) is very low, indicating that the consumption of these fish does not pose a significant health risk to humans.However, particular attention should be paid to chromium (Cr), as its concentration could become concerning in cases of excessive consumption.This study provides important data for assessing the health risks associated with the consumption of freshwater fish in Morocco.The results obtained can guide aquatic resource management policies and raise awareness among local populations about the potential risks associated with heavy metal bioaccumulation.