Detection of Some Heavy Metals in Tigris River Fish, South of Baghdad, Iraq

Israa Abbas  Obaid; Ahmed Jasim Mohammed  AL-Azawi

Israa Abbas Obaid Department of Biology, College of Science, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq
Ahmed Jasim Mohammed AL-Azawi Department of Biology, College of Science, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq

Keywords: heavy metals, fish, Tigris River, pollution

Abstract

The presence and concentrations of several heavy metals in fish species discovered in the Tigris River, especially in southern Baghdad, Iraq, are investigated in this work. Essential for the neighbouring inhabitants, the Tigris River is becoming more polluted by urban, agricultural, and industrial activities. The research aimed to identify and analyze the concentrations of heavy metals (Cadmium, Copper, Nickel, Lead, and Zinc), evaluating the probable health dangers connected to fish consumption from this location. Different fish samples were collected from many points along the river, and advanced analytical techniques were used to ascertain the metal concentrations. The results showed varying degrees of contamination among the investigated species; several species exceeded accepted worldwide safety criteria. The findings of this research cause concerns about the possible long-term consequences of heavy metal pollution in the Tigris River on human health and ecology. This underlines the necessity of regular monitoring and more stringent environmental restrictions.

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