Heavy metal(loid) bioaccumulation in fish and its implications for human health

Abstract
Abstract\r\nHeavy metal(loid)s (HM) pollution in aquatic environments is a serious issue due to these pollutants\' toxicity,\r\npersistence, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification. The main sources of HM\r\ncontamination are industrial activities, mining, agricultural practices, and the combustion of fossil fuels.\r\nFish can accumulate HMs through a process called bioaccumulation. As larger predatory fish\r\nconsume smaller fish, these HMs enter the main food chains and can become increasingly\r\nconcentrated in their tissues and finally reach humans. Here, we provided a general and concise\r\nconclusion from current research findings on the toxicological effects on different body systems.\r\nExposure to HMs can lead to a range of adverse health effects, including neurological damage,\r\ndevelopmental disorders, kidney damage, cardiovascular problems, and cancers. Their long-term\r\naccumulation can result in chronic toxicity even at low levels of exposure. HMs exert cellular\r\ncytotoxicity by disrupting essential cellular processes and structures. They can interfere with enzyme\r\nfunction, disrupt cell membrane integrity, induce oxidative stress, and cause DNA damage, ultimately\r\nleading to cell death or dysfunction. Prevention and control of HMs involve implementing measures\r\nto reduce their release into the environment through regulations on industrial processes, waste\r\nmanagement, and pollution control technologies. Additionally, monitoring and remediation efforts\r\nare crucial for identifying contaminated sites and implementing strategies such as soil and water\r\nremediation to reduce human exposure and mitigate the impact on ecosystems. To conclude, HM\r\naccumulation in fish poses serious risks to public health and the environment, necessitating urgent\r\ninterdisciplinary efforts to mitigate their harmful effects and promote sustainable practices that reduce\r\nHM flow into biological systems.

Author
Dhary Alewy Almashhadany

DOI
doi:10.4081/ijfs.2024.12782

ISSN
2239-7132

Publish Date: 2024-12-20