Health risk assessment of heavy metal concentrations in selected fish species from İznik Lake Basin, Turkey

Various wastes, especially heavy metals, which are introduced to water sources in an uncontrolled manner, accumulate in aquatic organisms in the food web. Through the consumption of fish and invertebrates, those contaminants reach humans. In response to rapid industrialization, the accumulation of heavy metals in fish adversely impacts human health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of some heavy metals (Chromium, Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, Iron, Copper, Zinc, and Arsenic) among 11 fish species inhabiting in İznik Lake Basin (Turkey) that are threatened by anthropogenic pollution. Results showed significant differences among species with the accumulation of heavy metals (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). Chromium, zinc, arsenic, and lead presented the highest contents in Capoeta tinca caught from Çakırca Stream. The contents of lead, copper, and zinc were higher than the guidelines of various authorities. The potential human health risk assessment was conducted by provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). In Rutilus rutilus and Cyprinus carpio, the estimated weekly intake (EWI) for mercury was higher than the PTWI. The findings of this study are of great importance in terms of understanding the effect of fish consumption on human health in the heavy metal polluted area.