TO FIND HEAVY CONCENTRATION IN DIFFERENT ORGANS OF TWO DISTINCT FISH SPECIES FROM RIVER SWAT

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the amount of heavy metal accumulation in two distinct fish species, Schizothorax richardsonii (Common snowtrout) and Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow Trout), collected from the River Swat in Pakistan.The heavy metal contamination of freshwater fish is an important global public health danger. When accumulate up in fish, people who eat them run the risk of health problems, potentially causing damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and liver. Moreover, heavy metal toxicity can increase the risk of cancer and other diseases. This study aimed to assess the levels of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd) in two distinct fish species from the River Swat in Pakistan. Using an atomic absorption spectrometer at the Central Resource Laboratory, University of Peshawar, the concentrations of Cr, Cu, and Cd were determined in fish samples of Schizothorax richardsonii and Oncorhynchus mykiss. The research results showed that the levels of heavy metals (copper, chromium, and cadmium) in the fish sampled from River Swat are within the range permitted by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United States (FAO/WHO) and the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations. This study indicates that no elements posing a threat to public health were encountered, thus not posing a short-term risk. Conclusion: From our study, it has been concluded that the heavy metal concentration of Cr, Cu, and Cd in Schizothorax Richardsonii and Oncorhynchus Mykiss was within the permissible limit, so these are safe for human consumption.