Risk assessment of Heavy Metals (copper, vanadium, lead, and nickel) in the muscle and liver of Silago sihama and surface contamination of Khour-e-mousa, Persian Gulf, Iran

This research was aimed to investigate the concentration of heavy metals (including copper, vanadium, lead, and nickel) in water, sediment, muscle, and liver tissues of Sillago sihama living in the Khour-e-Mousa, Khuzestan province. Samples were picked randomly from three stations during winter and summer and the concentration of heavy metals was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry (flame and flameless GF AAS). Based on the results, the bioaccumulation index (BI) of liver tissue for these four elements was measured 183.33, 0.05, 0.29, and 2.35 in winter, and 21.7, 0.07, 0.25, and 1.05 in summer, respectively. Moreover, the BI for muscles was measured 130, 0.02, 0.07, and 1.45 in winter and 18.3, 0.02, 0.07, and 0.49, in summer, respectively. The results showed that there was a significant linear relationship between the concentration of heavy metals in sediment with their accumulation rate in muscle and liver tissues of Silver sillago. According to the results of this study, the ecological risk potential index (RI) was however rated low at the ecological risk range, since, Khour-e-Mousa is known as one of the most sensitive ecological and environmental areas and there are signs of an increasing trend of metal pollution. It raises serious concerns for the region in terms of ecology and public health.