Histopathology and level of bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in fish, carasobarbusluteus and Cyprinus carpio tissues caught from Tigris River, Baghdad

Abstract EN

This study was undertaken to detect the histopathology and level of bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium in water and in some freshwater fish (Carasobarbus luteus and Cyprinus carpio) tissues caught from Tigers River.

A total of 100 water samples and 100 fish specimens (kidney, gills, liver and muscle) were collected from three sites of Tigris River.

These samples were used to detect Pb and Cd via Atomic orption Spectrophotometry.

Results exhibited high concentrations of Pb and Cd in water samples (> 0.03 for both metals) and insome organs of the selected fish.

It was observed that the levels of Pb and Cd accumulated in most organs (kidneys being most influenced) followed by gills, livers and muscles at three sites.

The levels of these heavy metals were much above the maximum acceptable limit recommended by FAO and WHO.

Histopathology was also conducted where heavy damages were noticed in both livers and gills in both fish species.

The current study present data about increasing pollution in the Tigris River and it approves that it is having strong impact on fish health and on human beings.