Evaluation of the concentration of some heavy metals in the muscle tissue of black herati fish (Capoeta aculeata) from the Qarachay River in Markazi Province

Najibzadeh, Masoumeh; Ansari, Amir

Volume 17, Issue 4 (Winter 2026) 3 2026, 17(4): 59-65 | Back to browse issues page

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Najibzadeh M, Ansari A. Evaluation of the concentration of some heavy metals in the muscle tissue of black herati fish (Capoeta aculeata) from the Qarachay River in Markazi Province. 3 2026; 17 (4) :59-65
URL: http://jmb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1088-en.html

Evaluation of the concentration of some heavy metals in the muscle tissue of black herati fish (Capoeta aculeata) from the Qarachay River in Markazi Province

Masoumeh Najibzadeh

, Amir Ansari

Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Arak University, Arak, Iran.

Abstract: (269 Views)

This study aimed to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd, Zn, and Cu) in the muscle tissue of black herati fish (Capoeta aculeata) and assess the potential health risks of its consumption from the Qarachay River in Markazi Province. In autumn 2024, 16 fish samples were collected from two stations. Muscle tissue was prepared and digested using microwave-assisted acid digestion, and metal concentrations were measured by ICP-OES. Results were reported on a dry-weight basis and compared with FAO/WHO standards. The accumulation pattern was Zn (4.33 mg/kg) > Cu (2.29 mg/kg) > Cd (0.055 mg/kg) > Cr (0.041 mg/kg) > Pb (0.016 mg/kg). Mean concentrations of all metals were below FAO/WHO guideline values. No significant difference was observed between the two stations (p > 0.05), and no significant correlation was found between metal concentrations and biometric indices (length and weight). Although the obtained levels were below permissible limits, direct comparison with international standards (which are defined on a wet-weight basis) requires dry-to-wet conversion considering tissue moisture content. Overall, the initial results indicate that the immediate risk of consuming this species is low, but for a more comprehensive assessment, it is recommended to conduct seasonal sampling, calculate risk indices (EDI, THQ, HI), convert data to wet weight, and examine other tissues (liver, gills) and sediments.

Keywords: Metal accumulation, freshwater fish, index, health impact assessment, international standards.

Full-Text [PDF 973 kb] (105 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2026/01/7 | Accepted: 2026/05/6 | Published: 2026/05/6