Fish Diversity and Bioaccumulation of Copper and Lead in the Common Fish Species of River Haro, Attock, Pakistan

The accumulation of heavy metals that are greater than the required range can cause adverse effects on health. Industrialization and economic development are responsible for the mobilization of heavy metals to the aquatic environment and the variation of their biochemical cycle that is consequently transferred to humans via the food cycle. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the fish diversity in the Haro Attock River of Pakistan and determine the status of bioaccumulation of copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) in the skin and muscle tissues of its common fish species. Morphological identification of the fish species was assessed based on a standard identification key. Then, the Cu and Pb levels were investigated in the river's most abundantly occurring fish species. Fourteen fish species belonging to 5 orders, seven families and 13 genera were identified. Fishes belonging to the family Cyprinidae were the most abundant. O. aureus, O. pabda and C. diplochilus, being the most common, were analyzed for heavy metals. The order of Cu accumulation in skin tissues was recorded as follows: O. aureus > C. diplochilus > O. pabda with Mean±S.D of 19.6300±2.18 > 13.3900 ± 2.70514 > 13±1.98388, respectively; whereas, in muscle tissues, the order differed recording the following sequence: O. pabda > O.aureus > C.diplochilus with Mean±S.D of 8.9400±2.18690 > 8.1450± 1.89861 > 3.0550 ± 1.09567, respectively. The order of Pb accumulation in skin and muscle tissues was determined, recording that O. pabda > O. aureus > C. diplochilus, with Mean±S.D of 7.6550±2.23430 and 5.1800±1.18637 > 6.6400±1.30642 and 3.7800±1.06603 > 3.3150±0.98155 and 2.6850±0.61325, respectively. Overall, the skin tissue of O. aureus showed a greater accumulation. The mean values are lower than the WHO/FAO recommended limits. Based on the present study, the consumption of freshwater fish from River Haro is generally safe, regarding the potential risk from heavy metals such as Cu and Pb.