Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in black acara (Cichlasoma bimaculatum) and surrounding aquatic environments near local plantations in Berbice, Guyana

Freshwater aquatic ecosystems are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities, leading to ecological degradation and loss of biodiversity. The waterway at No. 19 Plantation on the East Coast of Corentyne, Berbice, is a popular fishing area for food fish and one of the main species harvested is the black acara (Cichlasoma bimaculatum). This study aimed to determine the presence and concentration of selected heavy metals in both the tissues of black acara and the surrounding water, in the context of potential contamination from adjacent agricultural runoff and an asphalt processing facility. Samples were analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The results indicated that heavy metal concentrations in fish tissues were notably higher than in water samples. The trend of the heavy metals concentrations determined in fish was higher in Mg>Zn>Cr>Cu>Pb> whereas in water it followed the order Mg>Pb>Cu>Ni.Notably, levels of Pb in both water (0.08±0.03) and fish (2.45±1.17), Mg (127.25±60.77) and Cr (6.49±1.09) exceeded the permissible limits established by WHO/FAO/FEPA guidelines, raising concerns about potential health risks to local communities relying on these resources for human consumption.