HEAVY METAL DETECTION IN MUSCLE TISSUES OF CHANNA PUNCTATA FROM THE INDUS RIVER, KALABAGH, PAKISTAN

Heavy metals are a group of metallic elements that have a high density and are toxic to living organisms even at low concentrations. They are naturally occurring in the environment, but human activities such as industrial processes, mining, and agriculture have increased their presence, leading to pollution and potential health risks. Heavy metals can enter fish through various routes and accumulate in their bodies, posing a risk to their health and potentially to humans who consume them. The study aims to assess the extent of heavy metal contamination in fish from these sites, compare the results with international safety standards, and evaluate the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated fish. The concentrations of heavy metals in fish muscle tissue were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). This comprehensive study investigates the accumulation of toxic heavy metals, including Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Zn (Zn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), and Manganese (Mn), in the muscle tissue of Channa punctata, a freshwater fish species of significant economic and nutritional importance. Fish samples were collected from two distinct sites along the Indus River in Kalabagh, Pakistan: site A (Kalabagh) and site B (Daud Khel), which differ in their levels of anthropogenic influence. Site A is impacted by agricultural runoff, domestic wastewater, and industrial effluents, while site B is impacted by agricultural runoff, domestic wastewater. The results reveal significant variations in metal concentrations between the two sites, with higher levels of Pb (maximum: 1.142 mg/kg), Cd (maximum: 1.148 mg/kg), Co (maximum: 0.860 mg/kg), and Mn (maximum: 1.166 mg/kg) detected in fish from site A, exceeding the permissible limits set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These findings highlight the influence of anthropogenic activities on aquatic ecosystems and the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated fish, including kidney dysfunction, bone demineralisation, neurological damage, and cancer. The study emphasizes the need for pollution control measures, ecological monitoring, and public health awareness in the region to mitigate the adverse effects of heavy metal contamination. The results of this study can inform local authorities, health departments, and environmental agencies, guiding effective policies and practices to protect both human and ecological health. Furthermore, the study provides baseline data for future research and underscores the importance of regular monitoring of heavy metal contamination in aquatic environments to ensure food safety and protect human health.