Risk assessment of pollution with heavy metals in water and fish from River Nile, Egypt

The aim of this study is to investigate the level of contamination with metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Pb) in the Nile River at the great Cairo region. Samples of water and fish were collected seasonally from different sites along the investigated area. Physical and chemical parameters of the studied water samples such as temperature, transparency, electrical conductivity, pH, BOD, and COD were measured. In aquatic ecosystems, heavy metal concentrations are monitored by detecting some indices like water pollution indices (WPI) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF). The results clarified that Fe, Pb, and Mn concentrations in water exceed the allowed limits set by WHO, 2011 in all sites while Cu and Zn are in allowed limits. While in fish muscle Fe and Cu are within the permissible limits set by FAO, 1992, but Mn, Zn and Pb exceed the limits. Some of the metals like Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn are essential for animals and plants while many other like Pb, Cd, Cr and Co are classed as nonessential metals. All values of HI were below 1 except for Pb in case of habitual fish eaters that give alarm to fish consumer.

Automated summary

The study found that levels of Fe, Pb, and Mn in the water of the Nile River in the Cairo region exceeded the allowed limits, while Cu and Zn levels were within limits. In fish muscle, Fe and Cu levels were within permissible limits, but Mn, Zn, and Pb exceeded the limits. The study also highlighted the importance of monitoring heavy metal concentrations in aquatic ecosystems and the potential health risks posed by certain metals like Pb to habitual fish eaters.