Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Edible Fish and Associated Human Health Risks in Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in freshwater ecosystems has become a major environmental and public health issue in India, particularly in densely populated states such as Uttar Pradesh where riverine fisheries serve as an important source of dietary protein. Increasing industrialization, agricultural intensification, urban sewage discharge, and anthropogenic activities have contributed to the accumulation of toxic metals including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) in aquatic environments. These metals persist in sediments and bioaccumulate in edible fish tissues through trophic transfer and continuous environmental exposure. Consumption of contaminated fish may pose significant health risks due to chronic exposure, especially in populations relying heavily on locally sourced river fish. Scientific studies indicate tissue-specific accumulation patterns with comparatively higher concentrations in liver and gills, while edible muscle tissues may still contain metal levels exceeding recommended safety limits in polluted zones. Toxicological effects include oxidative stress, cellular damage, endocrine disruption, and neurological impacts in fish, which may indirectly influence food quality and ecosystem productivity. Human health risk assessments based on parameters such as Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Hazard Index (HI) reveal potential long-term risks associated with fish consumption in certain regions of Uttar Pradesh. The present study provides a systematic academic review of heavy metal contamination in edible fish species and evaluates associated human health risks, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring, regulatory control, and safe fish consumption strategies.