Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Status of Heavy Metal Residues in Fish Species of Pakistan

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology volume

Part of the book series: Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology ((RECT,volume 230))

Abstract

Heavy metals (HMs) are considered to be dangerous because of their toxicity and natural persistence, and pollution by them in recent decades has become a global issue (Vuren et al. 1999; Shahid et al. 2011; Shah et al. 2012). These HMs are concentrated in certain environmental compartments such as soil, sediment, tailing deposits, and wastewater (Demirak et al. 2006; Malik et al. 2011; Muhammad et al. 2011a, 2013; Hajeb et al. 2012; Shah et al. 2013; Shahid et al. 2013). As a result of various natural (i.e., weathering and erosion of bed rocks and ore deposits) and anthropogenic (i.e., urban, industrial, mining, and agricultural) activities, HMs are released into the environment (Zhang et al. 2008; Muhammad et al. 2010, 2011b). HMs are mobile in the environment and ultimately find their way to aquatic ecosystems (Javid 2005; Demirak et al. 2006; Swaileh and Sansur 2006; Shah et al. 2012). Fresh water ecosystems (e.g., streams, rivers, and lakes) are severely affected by HM contamination (Paul and Meyer 2001; Arian et al. 2008; Muhammad et al. 2010, 2011b).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahmad MS, Bibi S (2010) Uptake and bioaccumulation of water borne lead (Pb) in the fingerlings of a freshwater Cyprinid, Catla catla. J Anim Plant Sci 20(3):201–207

    Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad T, Kahlown MA, Tahir A, Rashid H (2004) Arsenic an emerging issue, experiences from Pakistan. In: 30th WEDC international conference, Vientiane, Lao PDR

    Google Scholar 

  • Alhashemi AH, Sekhavatjou MS, Kiabi BH, Karbassi AR (2012) Bioaccumulation of trace elements in water, sediment, and six fish species from a freshwater wetland, Iran. Microchem J 104:1–6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amin MN, Begum A, Mondal MGK (2011) Trace element concentrations present in five species of freshwater fish of Bangladesh. Bangladesh J Sci Ind Res 46:27–32

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ansari TM, Saeed MA, Raza A, Naeem M, Salam A (2006) Effect of body size on metal concentration in wild Puntius chola. Pak J Environ Anal Chem 7(2):116–119

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arian MB, Kazi TG, Jamali MK, Jalbani N, Afridi HI, Shah A (2008) Total dissolved and bioavailable elements in water and sediment samples and their accumulation in Oreochromis mossambicus of polluted Manchar Lake. Chemosphere 70:1845–1856

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ashraf M, Tariq J, Jaffer M (1991) Content of trace metals in fish, sediments and water from three freshwater reservoirs on the Indus River Pakistan. Fish Res 12:355–364

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balkas IT, Tugrel S, Salhogln I (1982) Trace metal level in fish and Crustacea from the Northeastern Mediterranean waters. Mar Environ Res 6:281–289

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bianchi GW (1985) FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Field guide to the commercial marine and brackish-water species of Pakistan. Prepared with support of PAK/77/033 and FAO (FIRM) Regular Programme. FAO, Rome

    Google Scholar 

  • Cardwell RD, DeForest DK, Brix KV, Adams WJ (2013) Do Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn biomagnify in aquatic ecosystems? Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 226:101–121

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang S, Zdanowicz VS, Murchelano RA (1998) Associations between liver lesions in winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) and sediment chemical contaminants from north-east United States estuaries. ICES J Mar Sci 55:954–969

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chaudhry AS, Jabeen F (2011) Assessing metal, protein, and DNA profiles in Labeo rohita from the Indus River in Mianwali, Pakistan. Environ Monit Assess 174:665–679

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dallinger R, Prosi F, Segner H, Black H (1987) Contaminated food and uptake of heavy metals by rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri): a field study. Oecologia 73:91–98

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Demirak A, Yilmaz F, Tuna AL, Ozdemir N (2006) Heavy metals in water, sediment and tissues of Leuciscus cephalus from a stream in south western Turkey. Chemosphere 63:1451–1458

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dewani VK, Ansari IA, Khuhawar MY (2003) Profile of metal contents of sewage contaminated canal fishes. J Chem Soc Pak 25(1):11–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Dix HM (1981) Environmental pollution. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Duffus JH (1980) Environmental toxicology. Edward Arnold Publications Ltd., London

    Google Scholar 

  • Ebrahimi M, Taherianfard M (2010) Concentration of four heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic) in organs of two cyprinid fish (Cyprinus carpio and Capoeta sp.) from the Kor River (Iran). Environ Monit Assess 168:575–585

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • FAO (1983) Compilation of legal limits for hazardous substances in fish and fishery products. FAO Fish Circ 464:5–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Farooqi A, Masuda H, Firdous N (2007) Toxic fluoride and arsenic contaminated groundwater in the Lahore and Kasur districts, Punjab, Pakistan and possible contaminant sources. Environ Pollut 145:839–849

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fatoki OS, Mathabatha S (2001) An assessment of heavy metals pollution in the East London and Port Elizabeth Harbors. Water SA 27:233–236

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fu J, Hub X, Tao X, Yu H, Zhang X (2013) Risk and toxicity assessments of heavy metals in sediments and fishes from the Yangtze River and Taihu Lake, China. Chemosphere http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.06.061

  • Gachal GS, Slater FM, Nisa Z, Qadri AH, Zuhra (2006) Ecological effect to the status of the Indus Dolphin. Pak J Biol Sci 9(11):2117–2121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gummadavelli V, Piska RS, Noothi S, Manikonda PK (2013) Seasonal bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Cyprinus carpio of Edulabad water reservoir, Andhra Pradesh, India. Int J Life Sci Bt Pharm Res 2(3):127–143

    Google Scholar 

  • Hajeb P, Jinap S, Ismail A, Mahyudin NA (2012) Mercury pollution in Malaysia. Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 220:45–66

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Handy RD (1994) Intermittent exposure to aquatic pollutants assessment, toxicity and sublethal responses in fish and invertebrates. Comp Biochem Physiol 107c:184

    Google Scholar 

  • Ittekkot V, Arian R (1986) Nature of particulate organic matter in the River Indus, Pakistan. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 50:1643–1653

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jabeen F, Chaudhry AS (2010) Environmental impacts of anthropogenic activities on the mineral uptake in Oreochromis mossambicus from Indus River in Pakistan. Environ Monit Assess 166:641–651

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jaffar M, Ashraf M, Rasool A (1988) Heavy metal contents in some selected local fresh water fish and relevant waters. Pak J Sci Ind Res 31:189–193

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jaffar M, Ashrif M, Tariq J (1995) Assessment of current trace metals pollution status of the South-east Arabian Sea coast of Pakistan through fish analysis. J Chem Soc Pak 17(4):204–207

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jaleel T, Jaffar M, Ashraf M (1991) Levels of selected heavy metals in commercial fish from five fresh water lakes in Pakistan. Toxicol Environ Chem 33:133–140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Javed M, Usmani N (2011) Accumulation of heavy metals in fishes: a human health concern. Int J Environ Sci 2(2):659–670

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Javid M (2003) Relationship among water, sediments and plankton for the uptake and accumulation of heavy metals in the River Ravi. Int J Plant Sci 2:326–331

    Google Scholar 

  • Javid M (2005) Heavy metal contamination of freshwater fish and bed sediments in the River Ravi stretch and related tributaries. Pak J Biol Sci 8(10):1337–1341

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Javid A, Javid M, Abdullah S, Ali Z (2007) Bio-accumulation of lead in the bodies of major carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhina mrigala) during 96-h LC 50 exposures. Int J Biol 9(6):909–912

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khan T, Muhammad S, Khan B, Khan H (2011) Investigating the levels of selected heavy metals in surface water of Shah Alam River (a tributary of River Kabul, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). J Himalaya Earth Sci 44(2):71–79

    Google Scholar 

  • Khan B, Khan H, Muhammad S, Khan T (2012) Heavy metals concentration trends in three fish species from Shah Alam River, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. J Nat Environ Sci 1:1–8

    Google Scholar 

  • Khan MU, Malik RN, Muhammad S (2013) Human health risk from heavy metal via food crops consumption with wastewater irrigation practices in Pakistan. Chemosphere 93(10):2230–2238, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.07.067

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Korai AL, Sahato GA, Kazi TG, Lashari KH (2008) Lead concentrations in fresh water, muscle, gill and liver of Catla catla (Hamilton) from Keenjhar lake. Pak J Anal Environ Chem 9(1):1119

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyle JM (1984) Mercury concentrations in four carcharhinid and three hammerhead sharks from coastal waters of the Northern Territory. Aust J Mar Freshw Res 20:679–685

    Google Scholar 

  • Malik RN, Nadeem M (2010) Spatial and temporal characterization of trace elements and nutrients in Rawal lake reservoir, Pakistan using multivariate analysis techniques. Environ Geochem Health 33(6):525–541

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malik RN, Moeckel C, Hughes D (2011) Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in feather of colonial water birds species from Pakistan. Environ Pollut 159(10):3044–3050

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marcovecchio JE, Moreno VJ, Perez A (1986) Bio-magnification of total mercury in Bahia Blanca estuary shark. Mar Pollut Bull 17:276–278

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muhammad S, Shah MT, Khan S (2010) Arsenic health risk assessment in drinking water and source apportionment using multivariate statistical techniques in Kohistan region, northern Pakistan. Food Chem Toxicol 48:2855–2864

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muhammad S, Shah MT, Khan S (2011a) Health risk assessment of heavy metals and their source apportionment in drinking water of Kohistan region, northern Pakistan. Microchem J 98:334–343

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muhammad S, Shah MT, Khan S (2011b) Heavy metal concentrations in soil and wild plants growing around Pb-Zn sulfide terrain in Kohistan region, northern Pakistan. Microchem J 99:67–75

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muhammad S, Shah MT, Khan S, Saddique U, Gul N, Khan MU, Malik RN, Farooq M, Naz A (2013) Wild plant assessment for heavy metal phytoremediation potential along the mafic and ultramafic terrain in northern Pakistan. Biomed Res Int 2013:1–9, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/194765

    Google Scholar 

  • Nawaz S, Nagra SA, Saleem Y, Priydarshi A (2010) Determination of heavy metals in fresh water fish species of the River Ravi, Pakistan compared to farmed fish varieties. Environ Monit Assess 167:461–471

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nussey G, Van Vuren JHJ, Du Preez HH (2000) Bioaccumulation of chromium, manganese, nickel and lead in the tissues of the moggel, Labeo umbratus (Cyprinidae), from Witbank Dam, Mpumalanga. Water SA 26(2):269–284

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paul MJ, Meyer JL (2001) Streams in the urban landscape. Annu Rev Ecol Syst 32:333–365

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Plaskett D, Potter IC (1979) Heavy metal concentrations in the muscle tissue of 12 species of teleost from Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. Aust J Mar Freshw Res 30:607–616

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qadir A, Malik RN (2011) Heavy metals in eight edible fish species from two polluted tributaries (Aik and Palkhu) of the River Chenab, Pakistan. Biol Trace Elem Res 143:1524–1540

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qadir A, Malik RN, Husain SZ (2008) Spatio-temporal variations in water quality of Nullah Aik-tributary of the River Chenab, Pakistan. Environ Monit Assess 140:43–59

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qiu YW, Lin D, Liu JQ, Zeng EY (2011) Bioaccumulation of trace metals in farmed fish from South China and potential risk assessment. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 74:284–293

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman MS, Molla AH, Saha N, Rahman A (2012) Study on heavy metals levels and its risk assessment in some edible fishes from Bangshi River, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Food Chem 134:1847–1854

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rashed MN (2001) Cadmium and lead levels in fish (Tilapia nilotica) tissues as biological indicator for lake water pollution. Environ Monit Assess 68(1):75–89

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rauf A, Javed M, Ubaidullah M (2009) Heavy metal levels in three major carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhina mrigala) from the River Ravi Pakistan. Pak J Vet 29(1):24–26

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sarkar D, Datta R (2004) Arsenic fate and bioavailability in two soils contaminated with sodium arsenate pesticide: an indication study. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 72:240–247

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shah AQ, Kazi TG, Arain MB, Baig JA, Afridi HI, Kandhro GA, Khan S, Jamalib M (2009) Hazardous impact of arsenic on tissues of same fish species collected from two ecosystems. J Hazard Mater 167:511–515

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shah AQ, Kazmi TG, Baig JA, Afridi HI, Khandhro GA, Khan S, Kolachi NF, Wadhwa SK (2010) Determination of total mercury in muscle tissues of marine fish species by ultrasonic assisted extraction followed by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Pak J Anal Environ Chem 11(2):12–17

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shah MT, Ara A, Muhammad S, Khan S, Tariq S (2012) Health risk assessment via surface water and sub-surface water consumption in the mafic and ultramafic terrain, Mohmand agency, northern Pakistan. J Geochem Explor 118:60–67

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shah MT, Ara J, Muhammad S, Khan S, Asad SA, Ali L (2013) Potential heavy metal accumulation of indigenous plant species along the mafic and ultramafic terrain in the Mohmand agency, Pakistan. Clean. doi:10.1002/clen.201200632

    Google Scholar 

  • Shahid M, Pourrut B, Dumat C, Winterton P, Pinelli E (2011) Lead uptake, toxicity, and detoxification in plants. Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 213:113–136

    Google Scholar 

  • Shahid M, Ferrand E, Schreck E, Dumat C (2013) Behavior and impact of zirconium in the soil-plant system: plant uptake and phytotoxicity. Rev Environ Contam Toxicol 221:107–127

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Swaileh KM, Sansur R (2006) Monitoring urban heavy metal pollution using the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). J Environ Monit 8:209–213

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tabinda AB, Hussain M, Ahmed I, Yasar A (2010) Accumulation of toxic and essential trace metals in fish and prawns from Keti Bunder Thatta District, Sindh. Pak J Zool 42(5):631–638

    Google Scholar 

  • Tariq J, Jaffar M, Ashraf M, Moazzam M (1991a) Heavy metals concentration in fish, shrimp, seaweed, sediment and water from the Arabian Sea, Pakistan. Mar Pollut Bull 26(11):644–647

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tariq J, Jaffar M, Moazzam M (1991b) Concentration correlations between major cations and heavy metals in fish from the Arabian Sea. Mar Pollut Bull 22(11):562–565

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tariq J, Jaffar M, Ashraf M (1992) Relationship between mercury concentration and length, weight and sex of two sprinid fish, Catla catla and Chela chanius from Rawal Lake Pakistan. Fish Res 14:335–341

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tariq J, Jaffar M, Ashraf M, Moazzam M (1993) Heavy metal concentrations in fish, shrimp, seaweed, sediment, and water from the Arabian Sea, Pakistan. Mar Pollut Bull 26(11):644–647

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tariq J, Jaffar M, Ashraf M (1994) Trace metal concentration, distribution and correlation in water, sediment and fish from the Ravi River, Pakistan. Fish Res 19:131–139

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tariq J, Ashraf M, Jaffar M, Afzal M (1995) Pollution status of Indus River Pakistan, through heavy metals and macronutrient content of fish sediments and water. Water Res 30(6):1837–1844

    Google Scholar 

  • Tariq SS, Ashraf M, Jaffar M, Afzal M (1996) Pollution status of the Indus River, Pakistan, through heavy metals and macronutrient contents of fish, sediment and water. Water Res 30:1337–1344

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tariq J, Ashraf M, Jaffar M, Masud K (1998) Selected trace metals concentration in seven fish species from the Arabian Sea, Pakistan. J Chem Soc Pak 20(4):249–251

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vuren VJHJ, Preez HHD, Wepener V, Adendorfe A, Barnhroom IEJK (1999) Lethal and sub-lethal effects of metals on the physiology of fish. An experimental approach with monitoring support, WRC Report. Water Research Commission, Pretoria. 608/11/99

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallace JRGT, Hoffman GL, Duce RA (1977) The influences of organic matter and atmospheric deposition on the particulate trace metal concentration of northwest Atlantic surface water. Mar Chem 5:143–170

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WHO/FAO (1989) Evaluation of certain food additives and contaminants, FAO/WHO expert committee on food additives: 33rd Report Tech. Rep. Ser. 776. World Health Organization, Geneva

    Google Scholar 

  • Widianarko B, VanGestel CAM, Verweij RA, Van-Straalen NM (2000) Associations between trace metals in sediment, water and guppy, Poecilia reticulata (Peters), from urban streams of Semarang, Indonesia. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 46:101–107

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yousafzai AM, Khan AR, Shakoori AR (2008) Metal accumulation in the gills of an endangered South Asian fresh water fish as an indicator of aquatic pollution. Pak J Zool 40(5):331–339

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yousafzai AM, Chivers DP, Khan AR, Ahmad F, Siraj M (2010) Comparison of heavy metals burden in two freshwater fishes Wallago attu and Labeo dyocheilus with regards to their feeding habits in natural ecosystem. Pak J Zool 42(5):537–544

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yousafzai AM, Siraj M, Ahmad B, Chivers DP (2012) Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in common crap: implications for human health. Pak J Zool 44(2):489–494

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang G, Chakrabotry P, Li J, Sampathkumar P, Balasubramanian T, Kathiresan K, Takahashi S, Subramanian A, Tanabe S, Jones KC (2008) Passive atmospheric sampling of organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in urban, rural and wetland sites along the coastal length of India. Environ Sci Technol 42:818–822

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank and highly acknowledge the efforts of Dr. David M. Whitacre, Summerfield, NC, USA, for his time to comment on the structure and English of the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Haripur, Hattar Road Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

    Majid Hussain

  2. Key Laboratory of Alpine Ecology and Biodiversity, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China

    Said Muhammad

  3. Department of Earth Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Abbottabad, Pakistan

    Said Muhammad

  4. Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan

    Riffat N. Malik & Muhammad U. Khan

  5. Department of Physics, Islamic International University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan

    Umar Farooq

Authors
  1. Majid Hussain
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Said Muhammad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Riffat N. Malik
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Muhammad U. Khan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Umar Farooq
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Said Muhammad .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Summerfield, North Carolina, USA

    David M. Whitacre

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Hussain, M., Muhammad, S., Malik, R.N., Khan, M.U., Farooq, U. (2014). Status of Heavy Metal Residues in Fish Species of Pakistan. In: Whitacre, D. (eds) Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology volume. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, vol 230. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04411-8_5

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation