Seasonal variation in the concentration of potentially toxic elements in fish from El Tunal river, Durango, Mexico: Possible implications for human health

Abstract

Environmental pollution is a major problem worldwide. One of the major health issues is the consumption of potentially toxic elements through fish intake, particularly in urban areas. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the human health risks of fish consumers. This study aims to determine concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in the liver and muscle of freshwater carp (Cyprinus carpio) caught in El Tunal River, Durango, Mexico. Carps were collected in dry (n = 7) and rainy (n = 10) seasons. The highest concentrations of all elements were found in the liver, where As and Zn (4.83 and 6.51 µg/g w/w, respectively) were predominant. Meanwhile, As, Cr, and Zn (1.00, 1.12, and 1.09 µg/g w/w, respectively) were predominant in muscle. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn had significant differences between seasons (p < 0.05), showing that during the rainy season the concentration of elements in the river, and hence in fish tissues, was reduced. Elements in edible tissue were below the levels allowed in Mexico and by international agencies. The mean and total target hazard quotients were below 1, indicating a minor risk to human health. Based on this study, fish consumption does not represent a risk to human health; however, it is necessary to continue monitoring pollutants since their accumulation can increase over time.