Trace Element Level in Different Tissues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rutilus frisii kutum</Emphasis> Collected from Tajan River,Iran

Tajan River is among the most significant rivers of the Caspian Sea water basin. In this study, the concentration of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Zn were determined in brain, heart, liver, gill, bile, and muscle of Rutilus frisii kutum which has great economic value in the Mazandaran state. Trace element levels in fish samples were analyzed by means of atomic absorption spectrometry. Nearly all non-essential metals levels (Ni, Pb, Cd) detected in tissues were higher than limits for fish proposed by FAO/WHO, EU, and TFC. Generally, non-essential metals (Ni, Pb) were so much higher in muscle than the essential metals (Cu, Zn, and Mn) except Fe, which was higher than other metals in nearly all parts, except in gills. Fe distribution pattern in tissues was in order of heart > brain > liver > muscle > bile > gill. Distribution patterns of metal concentrations in the muscle of fish as a main edible part followed the sequence: Fe > Pb > Ni > Cu > Mn > Zn > Cd.     

Assessment of Fluoride in Three Selected Polluted Environments along the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea: Effects on Local Populations

Fluoride ion (F^?) is a relevant component of concern due to its potential toxicity for humankind. This study clarifies the status of F^? for human health in three polluted regions along the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea coast, and determining its contents in seawater and different fish tissues (muscle, skin, brain, and bone). Fluoride ion concentrations in different fish tissues had a descending trend of brain > skin > muscle > bone with averages of 26.8 ± 26.0, 24.8 ± 6.5, 12.7 ± 2.3, and 9.0 ± 1.6 μg F^?/g wet wt, respectively. The bioconcentration factor for fluoride ion in different fish tissues was determined and multivariate analyses were conducted. The human health hazard assessment from fish consumption and seawater contact using hazard quotient (HQ) and ingestion and dermal absorption dose of whole body for different ages of females and males as well as the specified body parts (legs, arms, and hands) were calculated. Although the calculated daily intake values for ingestion of fish in the present study were lower than some established tolerable daily intake values, their hazard quotients were within 1 ≥ HQ < 10 and may reflect a possible fluoride adverse effect on human health from the consumption of the gathered fish species.     

Metal enrichment in water and fish in a semi-urban Nigerian lake,and their associated risks

Trace metal (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr and Cd) concentrations in the water column and in the liver, muscle and gill tissues of Parachanna obscura and Clarias gariepinus in Agulu Lake, Nigeria, were investigated in June 2014 and compared with WHO and FAO safe limits for water and fish. Hazard index (HI) values were estimated to assess the potential public health risk of consuming contaminated fish. Lead and cadmium exceeded WHO guideline values for drinking water. In most cases, variations in concentration of the metals in organs were liver > muscle > gill. Differences in tissue-specific concentrations between species were not significant, except for zinc in muscles and gills. Cadmium and chromium were not detected in the fish, but lead was above the FAO maximum value for consumption. Hazard index values were below 1, indicating a low risk to public health. However, trace metal contamination in Agulu Lake is increasing.     

Heavy metal in tissues of Tor grypus from Atatürk Dam Lake, Euphrates River-Turkey

Atatürk Dam Lake is an important ecosystem located in south-eastern Anatolia in Turkey. In this study, concentration of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in kidney, liver, gill and muscle of Tor grypus which has great economic value in Atatürk Dam Lake. Heavy metal levels in fish samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP). The metal accumulation in the liver, kidney and gill of Tor grypus was found to be quite high in comparison to the muscle. All metal levels detected in tissues were the limits for fish proposed by FAO/ WHO, EU and Turkish Food Codes and safe within the limits for human consumption in the edible parts of fish species in the region.     

铅在中华鲟幼鱼不同组织中的积累与排放

采用水溶液静态置换法,研究了中华鲟幼鱼在不同浓度Pb²⁺溶液(0、0.2、0.8和1.6mg·L^-1)中各组织铅的积累与排放.结果显示：中华鲟幼鱼各组织表现出随暴露浓度升高Pb积累增加的剂量-效应关系; Pb积累的基本模式为：骨(背骨板和软骨)和肌肉中积累量最高; 胃、肠和皮肤次之; 肝、鳃与脊索相对较低.暴露试验结束后进行了为期6周的Pb排放试验,结果表明：低浓度组(0.2 mg·L^-1)各组织中Pb含量与对照组无显著差异(P＜0.05);中浓度组(0.8 mg·L^-1)除鳃胃、软骨和肌肉以外,其余组织的Pb含量均显著高于对照组(P＜0.05);高浓度组(1.6 mg·L^-1)除肝、肠和皮肤以外,其余组织均显著高于对照组(P＜0.05).比较积累与排放发现,低、中浓度组中鳃、皮肤和肝的Pb含量高于积累时.推测中华鲟幼鱼经鳃、皮肤和消化道摄入Pb,主要经鳃和皮肤进行排放.     

Mineral and trace element composition of the roe and muscle tissue of farmed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with respect to nutrient requirements: Elements in rainbow trout products

BackgroundDue to excellent nutritional properties of fish and fish products, dietitians recommend their larger share in the diet, for both the prevention and treatment of diet-related diseases. In this context particular attention should be given to fish eggs (roe). The aim of the study was to compare the content of selected minerals and trace elements in the roe and muscle tissue of aquaculture-reared rainbow trout. Moreover, the extent to which an edible portion of 100 g of fish product (roe or fillet) satisfies the requirements for these elements in adult consumers (women and men) and children was determined.MethodsThe research material was represented by 20 farmed rainbow trout females (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In muscle tissue and roe the proximate composition, energy value, and nutritional quality index were examined. Concentrations of K, Na, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry analysis. The levels of minerals and trace elements in fish products were used to calculate the percentages of the recommended dietary reference values for adults and children in portion of 100 g.ResultsThe roe had higher content of 7 elements including, Zn (29.40 ± 1.38, 27.74–30.91 mg/kg), Mn (1.66 ± 0.08, 1.55–1.73 mg/kg), Fe (11.17 ± 0.35, 10.75–11.60 mg/kg), Cu (1.24 ± 0.04, 1.21–1.30 mg/kg), Ca (546.90 ± 23.68, 522.02–578.96 mg/kg), Mg (546.97 ± 23.68, 522.02–578.96 mg/kg), Na (403.61 ± 5.53, 397.29–407.57 mg/kg) compared to muscle tissue, respectively, Zn (2.73 ± 0.97, 0.94–3.77 mg/kg, Mn (0.22 ± 0.10, 0.14–0.46 mg/kg), Fe (2.19 ± 1.44, 1.02–5.50 mg/kg), Cu (0.24 ± 0.06, 0.17–0.36 mg/kg), Ca (164.07 ± 71.72, 93.24–306.32 mg/kg), Mg (240.00 ± 73.37, 127.92–316.41 mg/kg), Na (273.37 ± 99.65, 183.93–524.41 mg/kg). In turn, the muscle tissue contained 3 times as much K (5159.87 ± 974.70, 4004.63–6343.91 mg/kg) as the roe (1713.65 ± 58.68, 1643.97–1764.14 mg/kg). The roe covered the recommended nutrition standards (population reference intake, PRI and adequate intake, AI) to a greater extent than the fillet for all analysed trace elements and minerals except K. For children, the contribution of roe to the reference intake of such elements as Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu was particularly high. Therefore the roe should be considered as a source of Mg for all consumer groups, and as high in Zn for women and children. The suggested portion of fillet and roe provided only 2–3 % of the daily requirement for Na.ConclusionsDespite the differences found, both roe and fillet from rainbow trout are a good source of analysed elements. The results indicate the need to continue research in order to determine the influence of other factors on the content of minerals and trace elements in roe and the possibility of using gonads to enrich other food products with elements.     

Nutritional value and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in muscle tissues of five commercially important marine fish species from the Red Sea

The study evaluated the nutritional quality and investigated the heavy metals concentration in muscle tissues of five commercially important marine fish species, including brownspotted grouper (Epinephelus chlorostigma), squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus), black pomfret (Parastromateus niger), goldbanded jobfish (Pristipomoides multidens), and blueskin seabream (Polysteganus coeruleopunctatus) from the Red Sea, Jeddah Coast, Saudi Arabia. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the proximate chemical composition of fish muscles in these species. The highest protein content (17.66 ± 0.58%) was achieved in blueskin seabream while the lowest (15.28 ± 0.46%) was observed in brownspotted grouper. The highest lipid content (2.97 ± 0.45%) was recorded in squaretail coralgrouper while the lowest (1.52 ± 0.26%) was observed in blueskin seabream. Heavy metal concentrations varied significantly within and between fish species under study (p < 0.05). Significant differences in the concentration of heavy metals among fish species were recorded. Results revealed that the bioaccumulation of Cr, Fe, Ni, and Cd in muscles of fish species under study was higher than the standard concentration, but that of Mn, Cu, and Pb were less than the standard concentration recommended in the EU, FAO, and WHO guidelines. In conclusion, these fish species represent a high-quality food source but is unsafe due to the level of certain minerals in their tissues. Results also indicated that the Red Sea environment is contaminated with heavy metals, which was reflected in the tissues of fishes used in this study.     

Trace elements in the muscle,ova and seminal fluid of key clupeid representatives from the Gdansk Bay (South Baltic Sea) and Iberian Peninsula (North-East Atlantic)

BackgroundBaltic herring and European sardine are pelagic, fish of particular ecological importance, on the one hand control numbers of planktonic organisms, and on the other hand exist as food for predators on higher trophic levels. Moreover, these fish are among the main species caught for human consumption. Rare earth elements (REEs) come mainly from geogenic sources but, due to their use in technology, agriculture and medicine, the importance of anthropogenic sources is growing steadily.MethodsSamples used for the study were available on the market. Fresh materials of fish muscle, ova and seminal fluid were mineralized and elements were determined by means of inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).ResultsThe conducted research indicated the presence of REEs in the muscles of the Baltic herring (∑REE = 0.076 ± 0.047 mg/kg) and European sardine (∑REE = 0.191 ± 0.163 mg/kg), with a clear dominance of heavy REEs in both fish species. Trace elements (TE) in the muscles of the tested fish demonstrated a similar system of concentration (Baltic herring: Zn > As > Se > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd; European sardine: Zn > As > Se > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd). REEs and TEs in these fish were presence in ova and seminal fluid indicates intergenerational transfer.ConclusionChanges in the concentrations of some trace elements (As, Cu, Cd) in the muscles of herring indicate increases compared to the historical data. The availability of metals in the aquatic environment may be determined by ongoing climate changes, effected water salinity and warming increased availability of labile forms of trace metals. Decline trends in the condition of pelagic fish need to extend the research in the context of contemporary environmental threats.     

Tissue-Specific Induction of Hsp90 mRNA and Plasma Cortisol Response in Chinook Salmon following Heat Shock, Seawater Challenge, and Handling Challenge

In studying the whole-body response of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) to various stressors, we found that 5-hour exposure to elevated temperature (mean 21.6°C; + 10.6°C over ambient) induced a marked increase in Hsp90 messenger RNA accumulation in heart, brain, gill, muscle, liver, kidney, and tail fin tissues. The most vital tissues (heart, brain, gill, and muscle) showed the greatest Hsp90-mRNA response, with heart tissue increasing approximately 35-fold. Heat shock induced no increase in plasma cortisol. In contrast, a standard handling challenge induced high plasma cortisol levels, but no elevation in Hsp90 mRNA in any tissue, clearly separating the physiological and cellular stress responses. We saw no increase either in tissue Hsp90 mRNA levels or in plasma cortisol concentrations after exposing the fish to seawater overnight. Received October 1, 1999; accepted January 21, 2000     

Evaluation of trace metals in sediment,water, and fish (Mugil cephalus) of the central Black Sea coast of Turkey

In this study, concentrations of trace metals such as As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, Sn, Se, and Zn were determined in sediments, water, and a kind of fish (Mugil cephalus) of the central Black Sea coasts by employing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and microwave digestion technique. Gill, muscle, liver, and other tissues were analyzed separately for each sample. The accuracy of the results were checked by using a certified reference material (DORM-4). In water samples, the metal determined at highest concentrations was Cu (1645.44 µg/L). In sediment samples, the metal determined at highest concentrations was Fe (12223.50 mg/kg). The levels of trace metals found in the different parts of the fish were: Zn in muscle tissue (30393.28 mg/kg), Sn in gill tissue (5140.08 mg/kg), and Cu in liver tissue (289.31 mg/kg). These results were also compared with various relevant guidelines and literature.     

Effects of Cu2+, CrO4(2-), Co2+ and Pb2+ on the monovalent ion content of goldfish (Carassius auratus gibelio) tissues studied by X-ray microanalysis

Carassius auratus gibelio was chosen as an organism with a high level of tolerance against heavy metal to investigate changes in monovalent ions content in its tissues. Fish were kept in 10 ppm Cu2+ (3h), CrO4(2-) (96h), Co2+ (96h), Pb2+ (8h) and control (96h) solutions, then tissues were dissected and prepared for X-ray microanalysis. K+, Na+ and Cl- concentration was measured and calculated. Short periods of time of fish acclimation to Cu2+ (3h) and Pb2+ (8h) caused fish to suffocate as a consequence of heavy metal ions binding to gill mucopolisaccharides. Cl- and Na+ content decreased after Cu2+ treatment in kidney cells and muscle fibers, and so did K+ concentration in gill cells in comparison to control. After that CrO4(2-) ions acclimation changes in all tissues and in all measured ions were observed. Similar effects were observed in Co2+ ions treatment but not for muscle fibers. Pb2+ ions caused an elevation of Cl- and Na+ ions content in gill cells and muscle fibers but decreasing in liver and kidney cells in comparison to control. Changes in monovalent ions concentration are probably related to heavy metal ions influence on ionic pump activity, their interaction with metabolic enzymes, ATP production or membrane phospholipids.     

Effect of ammonia-stress on the total autolytic levels of proteins in tissues of an air-breathing fish,Channa punctatus (Bloch)

G season-specific effect of a sub-lethal ambient ammonium chloride concentration on the total autolysis of protein in different tissues of the Indian air-breathing murrel,Chauna punctatos (Bloch), has been demonstrated. While its effect on the autotytie levels of protein of different tissues (except white muscle) was marginal in the winter-adapted fish, the same in the summer-adapted fish was more pronounced. In general a reduction in the autolysic levels of the tissue protein of the ammonium chloride-stressed fish was observed. In certain tissues like white muscle of an ammonium chloride-stressed fish and gill of the ammonium hydroxide-stressed fish, augmented levels of autolysis were noticed. The present findings suggest that the accumulation of amino acids in different tissues of the ammonia-stressed fish, as observed earlier, can be explained best by mechanisms other than ammonia induced increased breakdown of proteins.     

Heavy metal concentrations in,and human health risk assessment of,three commercially valuable fish species in the lower Niger River,Nigeria

The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and V in water, sediment and the gill, liver and muscle tissues of Synodontis resupinatus, Heterotis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus, all commercially important fish species of the lower Niger River, were investigated in 2015. Water, sediment and fish samples were collected for six months and heavy metals were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Fe ranked highest in water and sediment, with concentrations of 2.74 mg l^?1 and 61.60 mg kg^?1, respectively. Metals followed the magnitude of Fe > Mn > Ni > V > Pb in the water and Fe > Mn > V > Ni > Pb in the sediments. Metal concentrations were higher in the tissues of S. resupinatus compared with H. niloticus and C. gariepinus. Fe was also highest in the gills, liver and muscle of the three fish species. Its highest concentration of 132.97 mg kg^?1 dry weight was recorded in the gills of S. resupinatus. Bioconcentration factors of metals ranged from 8.79 for Mn in H. niloticus muscle to 67.99 for Ni in S. resupinatus gills. The fish species studied pose no health risk for all metals studied, because the target hazard quotient was less than 1 and the estimated daily intakes of the metals were below the reference doses.     

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in tissues of selected fish species from Ganga river,India, and risk assessment for human health

The study measured the concentration of Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, and Zn in various fish tissues (muscle, gills, and liver) of 18 fish species (C. gachua, C. marulius, C. punctatus, C. nama, C. ranga, H. fossilis, C. batrachus, P. ticto, P. phutunio, L. rohita, L. calbasu, L. gonius, T. putitora, T. tor, R. rita, G. chapra, H. ilisa, and N. botia) collected from Ganga river. It is the survey regarding metal concentration in fish tissues increasing day by day. The metal concentration in different fish tissues varied on the following range: Cu (0.45–8.54 µg/g wet wt), Zn (0.07–2.2 µg/g wet wt), Pb (0.20–2.62 µg/g wet wt), Cd (0.07–2.32 µg/g wet wt), and Cr (0.09–1.74 µg/g wet wt). The results show the concentration of Pb, Cd, and Cr metals to be higher than internationally recommended standard limits (as determined by the WHO and FAO) and other similar studies. Generally, higher concentrations of metals were found in liver and gills than muscles. Despite lower estimated daily intake (EDI) of fish in the area (per recommended daily allowance guidelines), values of daily average consumption were lower than the recommended values by FAO/WHO/EFSA, and in fish samples these were below the provisional permissible levels for human consumption. The continuous exposure to heavy metals has been linked to the development of mental retardation, kidney damage, various cancers, and even death in instances of very high exposure in human body.     

Determination of Trace Element Level in Different Tissues of the Leaping Mullet (Liza saliens, Mugilidae) Collected from Caspian Sea

The concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Zn were determined in the brain, heart, liver, gill, gonad, spleen, kidney, and red and white muscles of Liza saliens (leaping mullet). Trace element levels in fish samples were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Among the non-essential metals, the levels of Ni and Pb in the tissues were higher than limits for fish proposed by FAO/WHO, EU, and TFC. Generally, the levels of the non-essential metals were much higher than those of manganese in the red and white muscles. Fe distribution pattern in tissues was in order of spleen?>?liver?>?heart?>?gill?>?brain?>?kidney?>?gonad?>?red muscle?>?white muscle. Red muscle was not within the safe limits for human consumption because non-essential metal (Ni, Pb) contents were higher than standard limits.     

Strontium metabolism in the juvenile Lake Sturgeon,Acipenser fulvescens (Rafinesque, 1817), and further evaluation of the isotope as a marking tool for stock discrimination

Stock enhancement efforts have been used to aid in increasing dwindling population levels of Lake Sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, that are currently of conservation concern. Consistent monitoring of stock enhanced fisheries requires a reliable and reproducible method to mark stocked fish such that the success of such programs can be determined. Recently, stable isotopic marking of hard structures in fish has been developed in a variety of species, however, optimal marking conditions are less well understood. In this study the metabolism of strontium in juvenile Lake Sturgeon and determined parameters for optimisation of marking success in the fin ray were examined. Using radioactive strontium (⁸⁵Sr), whole body influx and efflux rates of strontium were 3.02 ± 0.364 pmol h^?1 g^?1 (mean ± standard error) and 0.04 ± 0.007 pmol h^?1 g^?1, respectively. Furthermore, short‐term accumulation of ⁸⁵Sr in a variety of tissues was assessed and found to be greatest in the fin ray. Biological half‐life of the stable isotope ⁸⁶Sr was shortest in muscle and longest in the fin ray tissue. Immersion and length of immersion timing had positive relationships with marking success. Additionally, the signature remained in 75% of fish analysed 550 days post‐mark. Data suggest that marking success was determined by duration of immersion in the mark and concentration of the mark introduced to the water.     

Assessment of DNA integrity through MN bioassay of erythrocytes and histopathological changes in Wallago attu and Cirrhinus mirigala in response to freshwater pollution

The aim of this study was to determine the level of contamination and genotoxic impact through micronucleus assay and histopathology in Wallago attu and Cirrhinus mrigala procured from the polluted site of the River Chenab at industrial and sewage waste disposal. The water sample was found viciously contaminated with heavy metals i.e. Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, Pb, Hg, Zn, Sn, Cu while all other physio-chemical variables crossed the suggested limits of WHO. The heavy metals load induced histopathological alterations were correlated to environmental degradation and the productivity of this biological system. W. attu and C. mrigala harvested from contaminated sites of the river indicated higher intensity of DNA damage through micronucleus induction and nuclear abnormalities with 5.46 ± 0.17, 1.23 ± 0.08 and 4.2 ± 0.11, 0.4 ± 0.04‰ respectively. Muscle sections of W. attu and C. mrigala harvested from the polluted section of river demonstrated the necrosis, degeneration of muscle fibers, intra-fibular edema and release of the blood into the tissues due to the bursting of blocked of the blood vessels. Dermal layers showed degeneration of the collagen bundles those were found loose or collapsed in some regions. Photomicrography also revealed vacuolar degeneration in muscle tissues and atrophy of muscle bundles. Intra fibular edema and splitting of muscle fibers were also seen along with bioaccumulation of toxicants. W. attu showed maximum incidence of alterations with highest histopathological alteration index related to environmental degradation. Control fish samples showed normal muscle tissues with normal equally spaced muscle bundles and myotomes.     

A note on copper bioaccumulation in Mozambique tilapia,Oreochromis mossambicus (Osteichthyes: Cichlidae)

Copper (Cu) is one of the most commonly reported metal pollutants in African water bodies, but there are few studies on African freshwater fish species of copper accumulation and copper toxicity. Adult O. mossambicus were exposed to 0mg l^?1 (control) and 0.75mg l^?1 Cu for 96h and 0 (control), 0.11, 0.29 and 0.47mg l^?1 copper for 64 days. Samples of liver and gills were collected after 96h, and after 1, 32 and 64 days, respectively. There were significant differences in the mean Cu accumulation values in the liver and gills between the control and the Cu-exposed fish after the 96-h exposure. In fish exposed to 0.11 and 0.29mg l^?1 Cu for 64 days there was an increase in copper level in the tissues. In fish exposed to 0.47mg l^?1 Cu the concentration in the gill and liver tissue did not increase between Day 1 and Day 32. At this time, Cu accumulation in the liver was higher than for fish exposed to 0.11 and 0.29mg l^?1 Cu for 64 days. Exposure to approximately 0.47mg l^?1 Cu for more than 32 days induced mortality.     

Measuring fish length and assessing behaviour in a high‐biodiversity reach of the Upper Yangtze River using an acoustic camera and echo sounder

In the past decade improved acoustic hard‐ and software have enabled estimations of abundance and distribution patterns of aquatic organism, including non‐intrusive monitoring of fish migrations and behaviour. In this study, a high frequency acoustic camera (DIDSON‐LR, 1.2 MHz, 0.7 MHz) and a portable split‐beam scientific echo sounder (Simrad EY60, 200 kHz) collected acoustic data on 192 and 157 individuals within 24 hr (19–20 April 2011) in the Mituo reach of the Yangtze River, China. Mean fish length estimated from the acoustic camera data was 18.7 ± 5.6 cm, with an average swimming speed of 0.19 ± 0.13 m s^?1. The mean fish target strength (TS) produced by the echo sounder was ?43.8 ± 4.4 dB, which corresponded to 5.7–119.9 cm fish length when converted by three different TS‐length equations. Average swimming speed was 0.11 ± 0.06 m s^?1 from the echo sounder. Compared with the actual fish catch by the three layers of drift gill net in the survey area, the target length indicated by DIDSON was more accurate than the EY60 results, which were highly affected by the choice of TS length equations. It was determined that the two devices used synchronously could estimate fish length effectively to investigate their behaviour and distribution.     

Metals and metalloids in a first order stream of the Atlantic rainforest: abiotic matrices,bioaccumulation in fishes and human health risk assessment

Background and aimMetals and metalloids have been found in several streams and rivers from the Atlantic Rainforest (ARF), one of the world´s leading biodiversity hotspot, which may represent a risk for environmental and human health. The aims of this study were: 1) to evaluate the accumulation and distribution of 24 trace elements in water, sediments and fish tissues (muscle and gills) of sixteen species from the Atlantic Rainforest, 2) to explore bioaccumulation patterns in fish tissues and abiotic matrices, and 3) to assess the impact of metal and metalloids on the human health from water and fish consumption.MethodsWater, sediments and fish samples were collected from Ramos Stream (Misiones Province, Argentina). The concentrations of Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Ti, U, V and Zn were determined by Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were used to evaluate bioaccumulation of metals and metalloids in relation to water and sediment. The Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ, general and fisherman populations) were calculated to assess the non-carcinogenic human health risk from water and fish consumption.ResultsThe concentrations of several elements in water and sediment were higher than the international guidelines for aquatic biota protection. Levels of As, Pb and Zn in muscle and gills were above national and international guidelines for human consumption. The bioaccumulation factors ranged from 749 to 13,029 being higher in gills than in muscle. The HQ and HI ranged from 0.001 to 0.015. The THQ for each element and total THQ values were lower than 0.1.ConclusionBioaccumulation factor suggests that several species have a moderate capacity to incorporate some metals and metalloids from the abiotic matrices. According to the HI and THQ values found, there is no risk to human health from consumption of water and fish.