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Human health risk of heavy metal biomagnification: Trophic transfer patterns in aquatic ecosystems    
Yazarlar (9)
Saira Naz
Syed Sikandar Habib
Madeeha Arshad
Saima Majeed
Ümit Acar
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi, Türkiye
Prof. Dr. Osman Sabri KESBİÇ Prof. Dr. Osman Sabri KESBİÇ
Kastamonu Üniversitesi, Türkiye
Mohamed Mohany
Francesca Aragona
Francesco Fazio
Devamını Göster
Özet
Background: Heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems poses significant ecological and human health risks, particularly through trophic transfer in food webs. Objective: This study investigates the mean concentrations and trophic transfer of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, and Pb) across various environmental compartments (water, sediment, plankton) and trophic levels (three fish species: Catla. catla, Labeo rohita, and Cyprinus carpio) in an aquatic ecosystem. Methodology: Samples were collected in 2024 and heavy metals in the samples were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Results: Cu was most abundant in water (1.5–2.0 µg/L) and sediments (20–25 µg/g DW), while plankton accumulated high Cu and moderate Pb and Cr levels. Among fish, C. carpio showed the highest metal accumulation. Trophic magnification factor (TMF), which quantifies metal concentration trends across food chains, indicated biomagnification of Pb (TMF = 1.56) and Cd (TMF = 1.31), and biodilution of Cu (TMF = 0.64) and Cr (TMF = 0.73). Biomagnification factor (BMF), reflecting metal transfer from prey to predator, was highest for Pb in C. carpio (BMF = 3.89). Principal Component Analysis showed Cu and Pb enriched in sediments, while Cd was associated with plankton, indicating bioavailability at lower trophic levels. Although hazard index (HI) values were below the safety threshold for all fish species, C. carpio posed higher health risks due to elevated Cd and Pb levels. Conclusions: Overall, the study reveals significant biomagnification of Pb and Cd, posing ecological and health risks, while Cu and Cr show biodilution. Mitigation requires integrated management, including source control, monitoring, ecological remediation, and public awareness.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Aquatic ecosystem | Bioaccumulation | Biomagnification | Fish species | Heavy metals | Trophic transfer
Makale Türü Özgün Makale
Makale Alt Türü SSCI, AHCI, SCI, SCI-Exp dergilerinde yayımlanan tam makale
Dergi Adı Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology
Dergi ISSN 0946-672X Wos Dergi Scopus Dergi
Dergi Tarandığı Indeksler SCI-Expanded
Dergi Grubu Q4
Makale Dili Türkçe
Basım Tarihi 10-2025
Cilt No 91
Sayı 1
Doi Numarası 10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127704
Makale Linki https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127704