Accumulation of heavy metals and human health risk assessment via the consumption of freshwater fish Esox lucius.

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic pollution on the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the muscle of the northern pike (Esox lucius L.1758). The specimens were caught at the four sites of the Belocrkvan lakes. The heavy metal concentration was analysed and based on this, the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR) were calculated to assess the risk to human health. The results showed that the values of the calculated indices were acceptable, so that the consumption of northern pike muscle from the Belocrkvan Lakes should not pose a health risk.