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• The goal of this study was to determine the absorption of five toxic heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Chromium, and Arsenic) in muscle tissues of eleven species of fish in the waters of Khuzestan province- Bandar Mahshahr.

Material and Methods: For this purpose, 66 fishes, with the typical market weight were randomly selected. After performing biometrics assessment on samples, the muscle tissue was removed. The amount of estimated daily intake (EDI), estimated weekly intake (EWI), maximum allowable consumption limit (Cr), maximum allowable meals consumed (CR) and adults and the hazard quotient of the consumption of these fishes with regard to non-cancerous diseases (THQ) for 11 species were calculated.

• The concentration of metals was lower in comparison with the standards of MAFF, NHMRC and WHO, but in some cases was higher than USEPA standard. The hazard quotient for non-cancerous diseases all eleven species less than one, and for lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and arsenic, was calculated to be 0.018, 0.0237, .0428, 0.1146, and 0.0295, respectively. Also, the total hazard index (HI) in this research was obtained to be 0.221.
• The analysis of the accumulation and consumption hazard of five heavy metals in eleven species under study from the coastal waters of Khuzestan- Bandar Mahshahr shows that although the consumption of these fishes any hazard to consumers in connection with their health, however, with regard to the amount of their consumption by pregnant women and children considerations must be complied with.

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Food safety is a global concern, yet little research has focused on the heavy metal (HM) pollution and health risks associated with both cultured and captured fish. This study evaluates the bioaccumulation and human health risks of HM (Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Pb) in various tissues of aquacultured fish, Oreochromis niloticus, from major lakes in Bengaluru. Over two years (August 2021 to July 2023), spanning different seasons, fish samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metal presence using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Bioaccumulation levels were assessed, along with Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotients (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Target Risk (TR). Results showed varying bioaccumulation patterns across different tissues and lakes. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in gonad and liver tissues HI values for all muscle tissue were > 1, indicating potential health risks from metal consumption. TR levels were found to be unacceptable in the case of Cd and Cr which may lead to the risk of cancer and damages the normal functionality of the kidneys and liver. This study highlights the health threats associated with consuming freshwater fish from Ulsoor and Agara lakes in Bengaluru, underscoring the importance of regular lake monitoring to mitigate heavy metal impacts on human health and the ecosystem.