Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Aquatic Fauna Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Muhammad Raza Malik; Pariyah Shayman; Muhammad Ansuf Imran; Alizzah Amanat; Muhammad Tanveer; Muhammad Dilshad

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i10.2541

Authors

Muhammad Raza Malik Department of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Pariyah Shayman Lahore Grammar School, Defence, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Ansuf Imran International School, Lahore, Pakistan.
Alizzah Amanat University of Okara, Okara, Pakistan.
Muhammad Tanveer Fisheries Research and Training Institute, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Dilshad Directorate General of Archaeology, Tourism and Museums Department, Punjab, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i10.2541

Keywords:

Heavy Metals, Fish Bioaccumulation, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Environmental Pollution, Health Risk Assessment, Aquatic Ecosystems, Ecotoxicology, Industrial Discharge.

Abstract

This study investigates the extent of heavy metal contamination in freshwater fish tissues across industrial, urban, agricultural, and pristine sites using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for precise quantification of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg). A total of 150 samples were analyzed, revealing concentrations of all metals exceeding FAO permissible limits, with the liver showing the highest accumulation (Pb: 3.37 mg/kg; Cd: 1.02 mg/kg; Cr: 1.58 mg/kg; Hg: 0.57 mg/kg), followed by gills and muscle tissues. Spatial variation analysis indicated significantly elevated levels in industrial and urban drainage zones compared to reference sites, confirming anthropogenic sources such as metal plating, textile effluents, and agricultural runoff. Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) and Health Risk Index (HRI) values were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in contaminated regions, with cumulative Hazard Index (HI = 5.55) surpassing safe limits, indicating substantial ecological and human health risks through fish consumption. The findings demonstrate that industrial and agricultural discharges are primary contributors to persistent aquatic pollution, leading to potential bioaccumulation and chronic toxicity. Therefore, this research underscores the urgent need for continuous biomonitoring, strict enforcement of effluent regulations, and adoption of sustainable pollution management strategies to mitigate heavy metal exposure and preserve aquatic ecosystem integrity.

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