Heavy Metal Residues in Edible Parts of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) in Northern Iraq Water Bodies

Havan Dwud Sleman, Nasreen Mohi Alddin Abdulrahman, Daban Nabil Ali, Bayan Rashid Rahim., Hawre Kamil faraj

Heavy Metal Residues in Edible Parts of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) in Northern Iraq Water Bodies

2025

Havan Dwud Sleman, Nasreen Mohi Alddin Abdulrahman, Daban Nabil Ali, Bayan Rashid Rahim., Hawre Kamil faraj

This study aimed to assess the contamination of heavy metals in Cyprinus carpio, a commonly consumed fish species, and evaluate the potential health risks for humans. The research analysed metal concentrations in different parts of the fish over several months, across various locations: Sirwan station, Darbandikhan dam, and Tanjaro River. The focus was on the dorsal part (below the dorsal fin) and the caudal region (caudal peduncle) of the fish from August 2021 to January 2022. Six heavy metals were investigated: Co, Cr, Cd, Cu, Hg, and Pb, using an ICP-OES (Spectro acros) multi-element system. The results revealed that metal concentrations were generally low in the dorsal flesh, with Hg often below the detection limit, especially in August, September, and October. Elevated Hg levels were detected only in November and January, likely due to minimal regional contamination, seasonal variations, and low bioaccumulation in carp. Cd levels were significantly higher in the dorsal part during August, September, and October. In August, Cd was elevated only in the caudal part. Pb was detected in August, September, and October, while Cu levels were significantly elevated in November across both flesh sections, with the highest concentrations observed in the Sirwan River. Co levels were elevated in October in both portions. Cr was undetectable across all months and locations. The study indicates varying heavy metal concentrations in Cyprinus carpio across different locations and months, with Cu being the highest in Sirwan River and Hg mostly undetectable.

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