Heavy metal contamination in some important fishes of Kaptai lake: Insights into presence, concentration and consumer health risk

Heavy metal contamination in edible fish from Kaptai Lake poses potential public health concerns. This study analysed six heavy metals (As, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu) in the muscle tissues of eight commonly consumed fish species: Labeo rohita , Labeo calbasu , Gudusia chapra , Pangasius pangasius , Ompok pabda , Sperata aor , Mystus tengara , and Heteropneustes fossilis . Samples were collected from three local markets between July and December 2023 and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Total metal concentrations ranged from 1.334 to 3.887 mg/kg (wet weight). The species were ranked by total metal concentration as L. rohita > O. pabda > G. chapra > L. calbasu > P. pangasius > M. tengara > S. aor > H. fossilis . Pb was the most abundant and exceeded permissible limits. One-way ANOVA indicated significant differences among species (p < 0.05). Estimated daily intakes were below the maximum tolerable levels, indicating no immediate risk; however, exceedance of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic thresholds suggests potential long-term health concerns. O. pabda , L. rohita , and G. chapra posed the highest health risks. Non-carcinogenic risk for Pb, As, and Cd was higher than others, while carcinogenic risk for Ni was highest. Continuous monitoring is recommended to ensure fish safety and protect public health. • Six heavy metals were analyzed in eight fish species from Kaptai Lake. • Pb levels exceeded safe limits; Cd was lowest among detected metals. • Labeo rohita had the highest total heavy metal concentration. • TTHQ > 1 in all species indicates health risk. • Cancer risk (TCR) exceeded limits in all fish species studied.