Determination of Heavy Metals and Risk Assessment for Consumers in Rainbow Trout

Subject Areas : Aquatic Diseases

Reza Salighe zadeh ¹ , Behnam Pedaram ² , Kiarmin Keyvani ³ , shaqayeq qannad ⁴ , Fatemeh Homayoon ⁵

1 - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Shushtar, Iran.
2 - Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Shushtar, Iran.
3 - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Graduate, Islamic Azad University, Shushtar Branch, Iran
4 - 3-Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Student, Islamic Azad University, Shushtar Branch, Iran.
5 - 3-Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Student, Islamic Azad University, Shushtar Branch, Iran.

Received: 2025-04-25 Accepted : 2025-04-25 Published : 2025-05-14

Keywords: Rainbow trout, Heavy metals, Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Mashhad,

Abstract :

Heavy metals are among the most significant environmental pollutants, and their accumulation in fish can pose serious health risks to humans. This study aimed to assess the concentration of selected heavy metals in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and evaluate the potential risk for consumers in Mashhad. Fish samples were collected from aquaculture farms around Mashhad, and the concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, lead, tin, and zinc in muscle tissue were measured using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Mercury accumulation was determined through electrochemical voltammetry using a Polarograph Metrom device. The obtained data were statistically analyzed. The results indicated that the concentrations of most elements, except arsenic, molybdenum, nickel, and lead, were significantly (P≤0.05) below the permissible limits. However, the concentrations of molybdenum, nickel, and lead were significantly (P≤0.05) above the safety threshold. The arsenic concentration showed no significant difference from international health standards (P≥0.05). Overall, this study suggests that rainbow trout farmed in Mashhad may pose potential health risks to consumers due to elevated levels of certain heavy metals. Therefore, implementing environmental regulations, particularly in industrial facilities, is crucial to reducing heavy metal contamination.

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