Assessment and bioaccumulation of arsenic and trace metals in two commercial fish species collected from three rivers of Cote d'Ivoire and health risks

Arsenic and trace metal (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) concentrations in the liver, kidneys, and muscles of two fish species (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus and Sarotherodon melanotheron) collected from three rivers (Bandama, Comoe, and Bia) in Cote d'Ivoire were examined from July to November 2016. A total of 102 fishes were sampled and measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The concentrations in the Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus muscles ranged from 20.9 to 427, 0.00 to 243, 20.1 to 243, 35.6 to 359, and 409.1 to 2003 mu g/kg wet weight for As, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn, respectively. As for Sarotherodon melanotheron tissue, the concentrations varied between 4.13 and 357, 0.00 and 14.9, 53.8 and 313, 27.7 and 241, and between 153.1 and 2540 mu g/kg wet weight for As, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn, respectively. The bioaccumulation factor showed low values, indicating a low accumulation of the metals in these fish species. The data were below the international guidelines, and the estimated dietary intake data revealed that consumption of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus and Sarotherodon melanotheron tissues may pose no human risks. However, the population frequently consuming fish of about 68.5 g/day from the Bandama, Comoe and Bia Rivers may be exposed chronically to arsenic pollution, based on the non-carcinogenic risks index with a target hazard quotient higher than 1.