Non-carcinogenic Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Bighead Carp (Aristichthys nobilis) from Laguna de Bay, Philippines

Abstract

This paper assessed the potential risks to human health associated with exposure to heavy metals that have bioaccumulated in bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) from Laguna de Bay. Fish samples were collected in eight sampling stations in three major areas of the lake during the dry and wet seasons. Dry season samples were collected from May to June 2010 and wet season samples from September to November 2010. Coordinates of sampling site locations were recorded using Global Positioning System (GPS) and plotted in Geographic Information System (GIS) digital maps. Heavy metals analyses for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) were conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and Mercury Analyzer. Estimates of health risks associated with bighead carp consumption were summarized according to non- carcinogenic effects. Non-carcinogenic Hazard Quotient (NHQ) values of the five heavy metals showed that lead was the most urgent pollutant of concern in terms of adverse health effects from risks associated with bighead carp consumption from all sampling locations in the lake. From the point of view of human health protection and disease prevention, bighead carp from Laguna de Bay is not fit for long term human consumption primarily due to lead contamination.

Key words: health risk assessment, heavy metals, Laguna de Bay, bighead carp