Heavy Metal Pollution and Health Risk Assessment of Fish in Huizhou Section of the Dongjiang River

In order to comprehensively evaluate pollution of the Huizhou section of the Dongjiang River, concentrations of seven heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cr and Hg) in the muscle of commercial fish typical of the Huizhou Section of the Dongjiang River were determined. Pollution degree and food safety of the fish were evaluated with the single factor pollution index method, comprehensive pollution index method and target hazard quotient method. Results show that Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cr and Hg in the fish varied in the range of 0.058 1-0.546, 1.90-14.46, 0.225-1.69, 0.000 4-0.045 8, 0.039 7-0.148, 0.002 7-0.115 and 0.002 1-0.075 7 mg·kg^-1, respectively, in concentration, and averaged 0.185, 5.54, 0.670, 0.011 4, 0.065 5, 0.052 3 and 0.022 5 mg·kg^-1, respectively. None of the averages exceeded the limits specified in the National Standards for Consumption of Aquatic Products. Compared with commercial fishes in other places, either domestic or foreign, the fish in the section of the Dongjiang River, were relatively low in heavy metal contamination level. The evaluation with the single factor pollution index and comprehensive pollution index method shows that all the fishes in the section could be sorted into the category of "clean", with single factor and composite health risk indices being both <1, which indicates that the fish in the Huizhou Section of the Dongjiang River are safe to eat, and pose no health risk to consumers.