Assessment of trace elements (Cu, Fe, and Zn) in Limnothrissa miodon from Lake Kariba, Zambia: implications for ecological and human health

ABSTRACT

This study examined Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), and Zinc (Zn) levels in Limnothrissa miodon fish from Lake Kariba in Zambia and their potential impact on human health. Two-gram samples from each stratum underwent a 12-hour digestion, and concentrations were determined using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer. Results indicated that Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations fell within Food and Agricultural Organization and World Health Organization safety limits. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Hazard Quotient (THQ) values for males and females remained under recommended thresholds, suggesting minimal health risks from consumption. Element concentrations followed the order Fe > Zn > Cu, all below Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs). THQ values, with Zn posing the highest potential risk followed by Fe and Cu, were under one. Overall, the Hazard Index (HI) was 0.02, signifying a low non-carcinogenic risk from fish consumption. Despite safety, ongoing monitoring of heavy metal accumulation in the ecosystem is advisable for long-term safety. In conclusion, trace element levels in Limnothrissa miodon from Lake Kariba are safe for human consumption with low associated health risks. Nonetheless, continued monitoring of heavy metal levels is vital.

KEYWORDS:

• Heavy metals
• environmental pollution
• risk assessment
• food safety
• Kapenta

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express their appreciation to the Zambian Department of Fisheries in the three districts for their invaluable support during this study. Special thanks are also extended to Mr. Moses Fwanyanga and Mr. Gabriel N. Zikita, who generously dedicated their time and provided invaluable assistance during the sample collection process.

Authors’ Contribution

• Conceptualization: OJH;

• Supervision: WWLJ, AHM, JY;

• Resources and Funding Acquisition: OJH & WWLJ;

• Data Collection and Investigation: OJH, JM, SS;

• Materials and Methodology: OJH, MC, WWLJ, AHM, JY;

• Writing the Original Draft Manuscript: OJH, JM, KN, CJP, KS;

• Data Curation, Software, and Formal Analysis: OJH, IM;

• Visualization and Project Administration: OJH, JM;

• Validation and Review Editing: WWLJ, AHM, JY, MC;

Additionally, every author reviewed the final manuscript and approved its submission to the journal for publication.

Data availability

The data used to support the findings and conclusions of this study are available within the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The funding for this study was provided by the DAAD [Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst] as part of the In-Country/In-Region MSc. Scholarship programme for Sub-Saharan Africa under grant number 91793269.