Abstract

Elemental tracer concentrations of copper, lead, nickel and zinc, were assessed in the muscles of Oreochromis amphimelas and Clarias gariepinus from Lake Manyara, Tanzania, to evaluate their safety to consumers, specifically humans. Results revealed that no elemental concentrations exceeded the FAO permissible levels, indicating fish from all sites are safe for human consumption. However, based on the highest found concentration of Pb, we recommend a maximum consumption of 2.2 kg of fish from Lake Manyara per week. No significant differences were observed in the metal concentrations between the two fish species, suggesting there is no bioaccumulation in the food chain. Moreover, no significant differences were found between fish landing sites, indicating there are no regions in the lake with higher pollution. These findings indicate that PTM concentrations have not increased to toxic levels due to increased mobilisation from the catchment. Continued monitoring of potential toxic metal concentrations in fish is recommended due to endorheic nature of Lake Manyara and increasing anthropogenic activities in its catchment area.

Keywords

East African Rift lakes; Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence; Recommended weekly intake; Permissible levels; Zinc; Copper; Nikkel; Lead; Clarias gariepinus; Oreochromis amphimelas

Published in

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
2023, Volume: 111, number: 3, article number: 39
Publisher: SPRINGER

SLU Authors

• Wynants, Maarten

  • Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-023-03794-6

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/129039