Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Some Fish Species Available in Local Fish Markets of Kathmandu, Nepal

In this study, concentrations of Cd, Cr, Mn, Pb, and Zn were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS) in edible muscle tissues a total 25 fish samples belonging to five species viz., Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (Bighead), Wallago attu (Buhari), Catla catla (Catla), Clarias batrachus (Mugree), Labeo rohita (Rohu) marketed Kathmandu, Nepal evaluated potential health risks for adults using USEPA deterministic approaches. The average metal accumulation all followed the order (27.89) > Mn (5.36) Pb (2.37) Cr (1.12) Cd (0.44) mg/kg, exceeding FAO/WHO guidelines except Zn. Likewise, sum (∑5HM) descending C. (49.61) (44.49) W. (34.51)> H. (32.10) L. (25.18) mg/kg. correlation matrix showed significant correlations among some HMs indicating their common sources origin examined species. estimated daily intakes (EDIs) lower than maximum tolerable intake (MTDI). target hazard quotients (THQs) single element less 1.0 while (TTHQs) batrachus, catla, exceeded safe limit suggesting non-carcinogenic risk. Moreover, cancer (TRs) higher acceptable risk (10−4) that consumption might pose lifetime adults. Therefore, study recommends regular monitoring commercial ensure safety consumer health. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 11(2): 85-98.