Heavy Metal Contamination Risk Analysis of Dried Fish: Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Threats to Bangladeshi Consumers

Heavy Metal Contamination Risk Analysis of Dried Fish: Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Threats to Bangladeshi Consumers | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Heavy Metal Contamination Risk Analysis of Dried Fish: Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Threats to Bangladeshi Consumers Akibul Islam Chowdhury, Farjana Akter, Mohammad Rahanur Alam This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8234282/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study aimed to assess the concentration of heavy metals in commonly consumed dried fish from Noakhali and evaluate the associated health risks. A total of 15 species of dried fish were collected from local markets, and heavy metal concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) calculations were calculated to measure health risk. The mean range of Cd, Cr, Pb, Fe and Ni in fishes were 0.47–9.24, 2.15–61.81, 0.76–4.19, 2.09–32.65 and 35.5-429.5 respectively. The mean concentration of Cr and Pb exceeded the recommended value set by FAO/WHO in dried fishes. Health risks of metals were assessed in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR). EDI values of all fishes were less than the maximum tolerable daily intake indicating no adverse health effects. The mean THQ value for non-carcinogenic risk were 1 indicated a potential health risk for all metals. CR values for Cr (8.26E-06 to 2.04E-04), Cd (9.78E-06 to 3.49E-04) and Pb (8.12E-07 to 4.99E-06) imposed some potential health for consumption. From the findings we advised to the regularity agencies to conduct regular monitoring of heavy metals in commercially available dried fish due to its historical and cultural significance and to reduce potential health risks. Earth and environmental sciences/Environmental sciences Health sciences/Risk factors dried fish heavy metals health hazards cancer risk contamination level Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Introduction Fish and fish products are a vital element of human diet all over the world. Fish is a highly perishable commodity, so applying preservation techniques is very important to maintain quality and increase shelf life [ 1 ]. Drying is an effective and inexpensive processing method for preserving fish by lowering the moisture content of the fish body, which is a popular technique used not only in Bangladesh but also around the world [ 2 , 3 ]. Using this process, significant amount of freshwater and marine fish are preserved every year [ 4 ]. As Bangladesh is known as a nodimatrik desh – a country borne by rivers, fish and fish products are closely connected with food habit and it is the most important sources of protein, accounted for around 60% of the total animal protein requirement [ 5 , 6 ]. According to statistics conducted by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 17% of animal protein and an account of 6% of total protein intake are met by fish worldwide [ 7 , 8 ]. It is estimated that, around 20% of the local fish caught in Bangladesh is dried by sun and consumed every year [ 9 ]. To meet the demands of dried fish, our country exported significant amount of dried fishes internationally as dried fish is rich source of nutrition including 80–85% protein. Although, frequent consumption may potentially indicate a health risk, as fish contaminated with heavy metals, this is a common problem worldwide. The presence of toxic heavy metals in the fish body can negate their beneficial effects [ 10 ]. In the aquatic food chain, fish remains at the top and thus accumulations of heavy metals occur to a significant extent. Trace elements in fish may come from multiple sources within the aquatic ecosystem. These sources encompass the water column, sediment deposits, and adjacent terrestrial environments, along with the dietary practices of the fish themselves. Furthermore, the techniques used in the preservation and handling of dried fish can also influence the concentrations of these trace elements [ 11 ]. Apart from this, developing countries like in Bangladesh rapid urbanization and geological sources have caused widespread heavy metal pollution [ 12 ]. It has been noted in many studies that, the bioaccumulation of heavy metals are sequentially posed by different advanced tissues in fish body [ 13 ] and subsequently enter into the human diet resulted different serious issues [ 14 ]. Acute and chronic exposure or contact with heavy metals can lead to kidney failure, liver damage, cardiovascular disease and even death [ 15 ]. In that sense, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) all of them are listed as the most toxic members of heavy metal [ 15 ]. Lead (Pb) possesses extreme toxicity, renal and hepatopancreatic dysfunction, even carcinogenicity of the brain, prostate gland, and other organs of a human being [ 16 ]. Other heavy metals, such as chromium, zinc, and copper, can induce nephritis, anuria, and severe kidney lesions [ 17 ]. Though, Cr and Fe are very crucial content for human physiological development whenever, the permissible limit crossed in diet, these can cause carcinogenic effects on human health [ 18 ]. Furthermore, they could pose risk to the ecological balance of the environment, affecting bio-diversity of aquatic organisms [ 18 ]. Noakhali is a coastal district of Bangladesh where people mostly consume fish and dried fish from different local fish markets. Due to the historical and cultural significance along with specific taste and cheaper price, dried fish play an importance role in regular diet and nutritional security in Bangladesh [ 19 ]. Therefore, the analysis of heavy metals in dried fishes from this area is indispensable as an important public concern of human health. Numerous studies have been published on heavy metals in the aquatic environment and fish of Bangladesh, such as the Buriganga river [ 20 ], Bangshi river, Meghna river [ 11 ], Dhaleshwari river [ 21 ]. Despite the prevalence of dried fish consumption, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the concentrations of heavy metals in these products and the associated health risks linked to their consumption. Moreover, communities and authorities in rural coastal regions of Bangladesh are largely unaware of the health implications arising from the accumulation of heavy metals in dried fish. Consequently, this study aims to assess the concentration of heavy metals in dried fish sold at the Noakhali fish market and to evaluate the associated health risks to consumers. The findings will offer critical insights for local populations and management authorities, facilitating informed decision-making regarding this public health concern. Methods Sampling and study area: Data was collected from Noakhali area where large number of marine fishes were caught and dried. A total 15 different species of dried fish. These dried fishes were collected triplet from three different markets of Noakhali (Fig. 1 ). Samples were collected in polythene bags and brought in the laboratory for analysis. Sample preparation and wet digestion: Samples for heavy metal analysis were dried properly, grinded and stored in desiccator. Wet digestion method was used for sample preparation for heavy metals analysis of dried fish. In wet digestion technique, 0.5g sample for each species were taken and digested by adding 5ml of acid mixture (HNO 3 (69% concentrated) : H 2 SO 4 (95–97% concentrated) = 1:4) in heating block with 170°C temperature [ 22 ]. After completion of digestion, 2ml of H 2 O 2 (30% concentrated) were added continuously until organic free solution was prepared. Then digested solution were filtrated and the volume made up to 250 ml by adding deionized water. Metal analysis: Heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni and Fe) contents in dried fishes were analyzed using Perkin-Elmer Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (model novAA 900H auto sampler). Graphite furnace technique was used to quantify Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni and flame technique for Fe. Each samples were analysed in triplicate and the value of heavy metals were expressed as mg/kg of dry weight. Quality Control and Assurance: Samples were prepared using distilled water and analytical quality chemical components. To ensure the quality, all glass instruments were cleaned and soaked for 24 h using 1% HNO 3 solution. European Commission Guidelines were used for measuring detection limit and instrumental conditions. The correlation coefficient (R 2 ) was ranged from 0.996 to 0.998 and limit of detection was ranged from 0.004 to 1.5 µg/L. The percentage of recovery of the standards are in range of 86% to 190% indicating acceptable range. Statistical analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS software (v23.0) and Microsoft Excel. Concentrations of heavy metals were presented in mean and standard deviation using one-way ANOVA test to find out significant differences among metals. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were employed to find out the potential sources of studied heavy metals. Heavy metals risk assessment: To assess the potential health risks associated with the consumption of dried fish available in local markets, this study calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) in accordance with the procedures outlined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) [ 23 ]. Estimated daily intake (EDI): The estimated daily intake (EDI) was calculated using the average concentration of heavy metals in food samples, factoring in the weight of the food items consumed by an individual. The following formulae was used for EDI calculation: EDI = \(\:\:\frac{MC\:\times\:IR}{BW}\) where IR is the dried fish ingestion rate (g/person/day) which is 3.71 g/person/day in Noakhali district [ 24 ], MC represents the concentration of heavy metals in dried fish samples, measured in mg/kg. The body weight (BW) is assumed to be 60 kg for adults in the study. Target Hazard Quotient: The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) serves as an indicator of the non-cancer risk level associated with exposure to contaminants. The THQ is calculated using the following formula: THQ = EDI / RfD RfD is the reference dose (mg/kg bw/day) for metals which was based 0.001, 0.003, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.004 (mg/kg-bw/day) for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb respectively [ 25 – 27 ]. According to the guidelines of the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS), the RfDs for Fe is 0.7 mg/kg-bw/ day [ 28 ]. If the THQ is less than 1, it indicates that exposed consumers are unlikely to face any adverse health risks. Conversely, if the THQ is equal to or greater than 1, there is a potential health risk, necessitating the implementation of appropriate interventions and protective measures [ 29 ]. Total target hazard quotient (TTHQ): TTHQ for individual from THQs is expressed as the sum of the hazard quotient [ 27 ]. $$\:TTHQ=TH\text{Q}\left(\text{C}\text{r}\right)+TH\text{Q}\:\left(\text{P}\text{b}\right)+\text{T}\text{H}\text{Q}\left(\text{C}\text{d}\right)+\text{T}\text{H}\text{Q}\:\left(\text{N}\text{i}\right)+\text{T}\text{H}\text{Q}\left(\text{F}\text{e}\right)$$ Carcinogenic risk (CR): The carcinogenic risk (CR) was utilized to indicate the potential carcinogenic risks associated with exposure. The methodology for estimating CR is detailed in the Region III Risk-Based Concentration Table published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) [ 30 ]. The model for estimating CR was shown as follows (4): $$\:TR=\:EDI*CPSo$$ EDI refers to the estimated daily intake of metals. The carcinogenic potency slope for the oral route is specified as 0.0085 mg/kg body weight per day for lead (Pb), 6.3 mg/kg body weight per day for cadmium (Cd), 0.5 mg/kg body weight per day for chromium (Cr), and 1.7 mg/kg body weight per day for nickel (Ni), as established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA, 2011) [ 27 , 28 , 31 ]. Generally, a carcinogenic risk (CR) value below 1.0E − 06 is regarded as negligible, while a value above 1.0E − 04 is deemed unacceptable. Values that fall between 1.0E − 06 and 1.0E − 04 are considered to be within an acceptable range[ 23 , 27 ]. Results and discussion Heavy metal concentrations in dried fishes: Table 1 represents the mean ± SD of heavy metals concentrations (Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Pb) in dried fishes. The average concentration of different heavy metals in dried fish were found in the following order Ni > Cr > Fe > Pb > Cd. The highest concentration of Cr was found in dried Silver pomfret (61.81123 ± 1.38031) and the lowest in dried Ribbon fish (2.15354 ± 0.62880). The mean concentration of Cr in dried fish was higher than the recommended value by FAO/WHO [ 32 ]. Some literatures showed lower mean concentration of Cr in dried fish [ 4 ]. Ni and Fe are considered as essential elements for human and animals. The mean concentration of Fe (169.77 mg/kg) and Ni (6.71 mg/kg) in dried fishes were found much lower than the recommended value set by FAO/WHO. The concentration of Fe in dried fish was quite similar to Rakib et al [ 4 ] and Hossain et al [ 11 ] whereas the concentration of Ni was much higher [ 4 ]. Mean concentration of Cd and Pb in the dried fishes were ranged between 0.47 to 9.24 and 0.76 to 4.19 respectively. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in the present study were higher than FAO/WHO standards value [ 32 ] which is not consistent with Rakib et al [ 4 ]. Table 1 concentration of heavy metals (mean ± SD) in dried fishes commonly available in local markets Sample Scientific name Heavy metals in dried fishes (mg/kg) Cd Cr Fe Ni Pb Bombay duck Harpadon nehereus 1.20 ± 0.61 25.82 ± 0.61 136.5 ± 1.32 6.14 ± 5.83 3.15 ± 1.71 Ribbon fish Trichiurus savala 0.47 ± 0.09 2.15 ± 0.63 88.0 ± 0.87 4.85 ± 1.36 BDL Double spotted queenfish Scomberoides lysan 2.35 ± 0.09 40.99 ± 1.42 218.5 ± 1.32 5.14 ± 2.52 4.99 ± 1.52 Monsoon river prawn Macrobracium malcolmsoni 5.04 ± 1.64 15.16 ± 0.61 294.0 ± 1.32 7.85 ± 2.66 7.34 ± 3.07 Sind danio Ailia punctata 1.51 ± 0.90 9.86 ± 1.42 117.33 ± 2.02 4.96 ± 1.08 5.99 ± 6.26 Bata Labeo bata 1.52 ± 0.89 17.76 ± 2.84 213.5 ± 1.32 5.43 ± 2.26 10.97 ± 4.19 Goldspotted grenadier anchovy Colia dussumieri 1.81 ± 0.79 7.34 ± 1.25 35.5 ± 1.5 6.39 ± 1.18 BDL Yellowtail mullet Sicamugil cascasia 1.74 ± 0.84 4.33 ± 1.36 196.5 ± 0.87 4.23 ± 1.05 8.23 ± 5.58 Mola Carplet Amblypharyngodon mola 9.24 ± 0.29 18.01 ± 0.94 145.0 ± 1.5 4.52 ± 2.31 3.59 ± 2.5 Indo-Pacific king mackerel Scomberomorus guttatus 0.26 ± 0.11 13.83 ± 1.17 154.0 ± 1.5 6.17 ± 2.04 2.72 ± 1.31 Bigeye ilisha Ilisha megaloptera 0.56 ± 0.10 7.50 ± 1.57 117.83 ± 1.61 32.66 ± 7.38 BDL Rubicundus Eel Goby Odontamblyopus rubicundus 0.35 ± 0.09 7.69 ± 0.65 121.0 ± 0.87 4.12 ± 1.16 7.17 ± 4.95 Pama Otolithoides pama 0.37 ± 0.12 13.27 ± 1.51 181.83 ± 1.26 2.09 ± 1.18 BDL Silver pomfret Pampus chinensis 0.43 ± 0.17 61.81 ± 1.38 97.5 ± 0.87 2.75 ± 0.50 1.58 ± 1.59 Spot fin swamp barb Puntius sophore 0.18 ± 0.07 56.63 ± 1.36 429.5 ± 1.32 3.39 ± 1.36 0.76 ± 0.23 Range 0.47–9.24 2.15–61.81 2.09–32.65 35.5-429.5 0.76–4.19 Mean 1.80 20.14 169.77 6.71 3.85 Recommended limit (mg/kg dried wt) a 2.17 0.65–4.35 434.78 347.82 2.17 BDL, below detection limit a Recommended limits by WHO [ 20 , 33 , 34 ] Correlation of heavy metals: The correlation between metals was identified by Pearson’s correlation and presented in Table 2 . Most of metals showed weak and negative correlations which indicated that the sources of contamination with heavy metals were not same. High loads of metals may come from anthropogenic or industrial waste [ 4 , 20 ]. High concentration of Fe in dried fishes could be from pans where the fishes were dried [ 35 , 36 ]. In principal component analysis (PCA), the loadings showed the direction and magnitude of the relationships between the metals and principal components. In PC1, there is positive loadings for Pb, Cd and Fe and negative loadings for Cr and Ni which indicates that metals may derived from anthropogenic activities such as fisheries, industrial waste, mining etc. [ 4 , 20 ]. The PC2 indicates that there are positive loadings for Cr, Pb, Cd and Ni. This indicates that these metals may derived from natural sources. Table 2 Correlation between metals in dried fishes and the component matrix for PCA Cr Pb Cd Ni Fe PC1 PC2 Cr 1.00 -0.527 0.850 Pb -0.15 1.00 0.722 0.635 Cd -0.09 0.25 1.00 0.832 0.554 Ni -0.24 -0.21 -0.08 1.00 -0.399 0.917 Fe 0.45** 0.16 0.06 -0.15 1.00 0.990 -0.140 Eigen value 2.706 2.294 % of variance 54.123 45.877 **p < 0.01 Using the Ward’s method, the hierarchical cluster analysis is conducted to identify the groupings of studied heavy metals (Fig. 2 ). The analysis showed three primary clusters of the heavy metals. The HCA identified sites likely affected by common pollution sources, such as industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, or natural processes, by clustering sites with similar profiles. Notably, Cluster 1 included Cd, Pb and Ni, suggesting industrial origins like metal plating and manufacturing. Cluster 2, made by Cr, points to sources such as vehicular emissions and industrial discharges. Cluster 3, dominated by Fe, is linked to electroplating, mining, and other industrial activities. These insights facilitate the prioritization of remediation efforts and the development of strategies to mitigate pollution. Estimated daily intake (EDI): The estimated daily intake (EDI) of heavy metals from different dried fish species for adults as well as comparison with maximum tolerable daily intake was presented in Table 3 . Higher intake of Fe from studied dried fishes was shown for adults compared with other metals. The least intake was for Cd (0.00155 mg/kg /day). The total intake of Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb were low compared with MTDI value which indicated that consumption of dried fishes was considered to be safe and there was no non-carcinogenic risk of studied heavy metals prior to consumption. The results were similar with some previous literature studied in Bangladesh [ 4 , 37 ]. However, increase consumption of fishes may increase the risk of non-carcinogenic risk [ 38 ]. Table 3 EDI (mg/kg of body weight) of heavy metals through consumption of sampled dried fish in adults Sample Cd Cr Fe Ni Pb Bombay duck 0.000056 0.003268* 0.008378 0.000269 0.000096 ribbon fish 0.000024 0.000201 0.005380 0.000271 0.000000 Double spotted queenfish 0.000126 0.004984* 0.013449 0.000299 0.000225 Monsoon river prawn 0.000259 0.001855 0.018241 0.000465 0.000412 Sind danio 0.000063 0.001045 0.007235 0.000382 0.000196 Bata 0.000069 0.002196 0.013263 0.000481 0.000587 Goldspotted grenadier anchovy 0.000117 0.000910 0.002195 0.000480 0.000000 Yellowtail mullet 0.000111 0.000648 0.012212 0.000333 0.000448 Mola Carplet 0.000582 0.002099 0.008966 0.000285 0.000068 Indo-Pacific king mackerel 0.000016 0.001725 0.009522 0.000254 0.000080 Bigeye ilisha 0.000035 0.000853 0.007327 0.001883 0.000000 Rubicundus Eel Goby 0.000021 0.000891 0.007544 0.000338 0.000209 Pama 0.000024 0.001854 0.011161 0.000213 0.000000 silver pomfret 0.000025 0.003920* 0.006091 0.000206 0.000075 Spot fin swamp barb 0.000025 0.003599* 0.026496 0.000306 0.000049 Total daily intake from dried fish 0.00155 0.0143 0.157 0.00647 0.00245 MTDI 0.046 a 0.2 b 0.3 c 0.21 a MTDI; maximum tolerable daily intake a [ 39 ] b [ 40 ] c [ 41 ] Non-carcinogenic health hazard: Target hazard quotient (THQ) of the five metals (Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni and Pb) from the consumption of dried fish in Bangladesh were presented in Table 4 . The THQ value of Cr was > 1 in four species of dried fishes (Bombay duck, Double spotted queenfish, Silver pomfret and Spot fin swamp barb) which indicated that Cr might impose non-carcinogenic health risk for human prior to consumption of these fishes. However, the mean THQ of all metals were Silver pomfret > Mola Carplet > Spot fin swamp barb > Bombay duck > Monsoon River prawn > Bata > Pama > Indo-Pacific king mackerel > Sind danio > Yellowtail mullet > Goldspotted grenadier anchovy > Rubicundus Eel Goby > Bigeye ilisha > ribbon fish. Considering all metals, the TTHQ value for Double spotted queenfish, Silver pomfret, Mola Carplet, Spot fin swamp barb, and Bombay duck dried fishes were > 1. In the total TTHQ value, Cr (80%) contributed much than other metals. Estimation of TTHQ is helpful for combining the effects of all metals of different foods used in many previous literatures [ 38 , 42 ]. Carcinogenic risk: The carcinogenic risk (CR) derived from the consumption of Cr, Cd and Pb were estimated and presented in Table 4 . Cr, Cd and Pb are considered as carcinogenic according to IARC [ 43 ]. The CR values were ranged from 9.78E-06 to 3.49E-04 for Cd, 8.26E-06 to 2.04E-04 for Cr and 8.12E-07 to 4.99E-06 for Pb. For some of the dried fish species, the CR value for Cd and Cr was > 1.0E-04, which were unacceptable. However, the mean CR for Cd, Cr and Pb were lying within 10 − 6 to 10 − 4 which are generally considered as acceptable [ 44 ]. The findings of the present study were in line with Rakib et al [ 4 ]. Therefore, the study stated that, continuous accumulation and long-time ingestion of dried fishes may have potential carcinogenic risk. Table 4 Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of trace metals from dried fish consumption Sample Non-carcinogenic risk Carcinogenic risk (CR) Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) Total THQ Cd Cr Fe Ni Pb Cd Cr Pb Bombay duck 0.05581 1.08923 0.01196 0.00537 0.02388 1.186270 3.35E-5 1.34E-4 8.12E-7 Ribbon fish 0.02403 0.06712 0.00768 0.00542 0.00000 0.10426 1.44E-5 8.26E-6 ND Double spotted queenfish 0.12620 1.66140 0.01921 0.00598 0.05622 1.86902 7.57E-5 2.04E-4 1.91E-6 Monsoon river prawn 0.25930 0.61835 0.02605 0.00930 0.10300 1.01602 1.56E-4 7.61E-5 3.50E-6 Sind danio 0.06297 0.34846 0.01033 0.00763 0.04891 0.47832 3.78E-5 4.29E-5 1.66E-6 Bata 0.06891 0.73210 0.01894 0.00961 0.14665 0.97622 4.13E-5 9.01E-5 4.99E-6 Goldspotted grenadier anchovy 0.11656 0.30328 0.00313 0.00959 0.00000 0.43258 6.99E-5 3.73E-5 ND Yellowtail mullet 0.11088 0.21616 0.01744 0.00666 0.11193 0.46309 6.65E-5 2.66E-5 3.81E-6 Mola Carplet 0.58174 0.69968 0.01280 0.00569 0.01709 1.31701 3.49E-4 8.61E-5 5.81E-7 Indo-Pacific king mackerel 0.01630 0.57496 0.01360 0.00508 0.0200 0.63001 9.78E-6 7.07E-5 6.82E-7 Bigeye ilisha 0.03454 0.28435 0.01046 0.03765 0.0000 0.36701 2.07E-5 3.49E-5 ND Rubicundus Eel Goby 0.02135 0.29713 0.01077 0.00675 0.05213 0.38815 1.28E-5 3.65E-5 1.77E-6 Pama 0.02379 0.61798 0.01594 0.00426 0.00000 0.66198 1.43E-5 7.60E-5 ND Silver pomfret 0.02510 1.30682 0.00870 0.00412 0.01874 1.36349 1.51E-5 1.61E-5 6.37E-7 Spot fin swamp barb 0.01128 1.19954 0.03785 0.00611 0.01222 1.26702 6.78E-6 1.48E-5 4.15E-7 Mean 0.10258 0.6677 0.01499 0.00861 0.04072 6.16E-5 6.36E-5 1.38E-6 Contribution to TTHQ (%) 12.29 80.00 1.80 1.03 4.88 Conclusion This study highlights the concerning levels of heavy metals in commonly consumed dried fish from Noakhali, Bangladesh, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with their consumption. Analysis of 15 different species revealed elevated concentrations of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe), with Cr levels surpassing the recommended limits set by the FAO/WHO in several species, notably the dried Silver Pomfret. While the estimated daily intake (EDI) of heavy metals was generally within safe limits, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) calculations indicated that some species, particularly Bombay Duck and Double Spotted Queenfish, pose non-carcinogenic health risks due to their heightened Cr levels. Additionally, the carcinogenic risk (CR) assessment suggested that regular consumption of these fish may result in unacceptable risks for both Cd and Cr. Based on the findings of this study, it is essential to establish a robust monitoring and regulatory framework to address heavy metal contamination in dried fish sold in local markets. Furthermore, promoting sustainable fishing and processing practices can significantly reduce the risk of contamination. This could involve educating fishers on safe handling and drying techniques to minimize exposure to environmental pollutants. Collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations is necessary to develop policies aimed at mitigating industrial pollution and managing sources of heavy metal contamination in aquatic environments. Lastly, further research into alternative preservation methods may help retain the nutritional value of dried fish while minimizing health risks, ensuring that this important dietary staple remains safe and beneficial for local populations. Declarations Ethical Approval: The study was conducted following all guidelines and methods and ethical approval was taken from the ethical committee of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU/RC-FN-01/T-22144). Competing Interests: The author(s) declare no competing interests. Data Availability Statement Dataset generated and analysed in this study is made available upon request from corresponding author. Funding: The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript. Author Contribution Authors Contribution: Chowdhury Akibul Islam : Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Software, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. Akter Farjana: Data curation, Methodology, Visualization, Writing-original draft. Alam Mohammad Rahanur: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Resources, Supervision, Validation, Writing – review & editing. Data Availability Dataset generated and analysed in this study is made available upon request from corresponding author. References Sulieman, A. M. E. & Mustafa, W. A. Quality characteristics of dried fish obtained from Eldeim Area, Central Sudan. Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. Eng. 2 , 1–6 (2012). Solanki, J. B. Different types of fish drying methods in Gujarat. Int. J. Fish. Aquat. Stud. 8 , 129–131 (2020). Marine, S. S. et al. Traditional methods of fish drying: An explorative study in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Int. J. Fish. Sci. Aquaculture . 2 , 28–35 (2015). Rakib, M. R. J. et al. Levels and health risk assessment of heavy metals in dried fish consumed in Bangladesh. Sci. Rep. 11 , 14642 (2021). Akter, A., Hosen, A., Hossain, M. A., Khalil, F. & Mustafa, T. Heavy metal concentrations and human health risk assessment of selected wild and cultured fishes of Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 , 189–203 (2021). Azmi, W. N. F. W., Ahmad, N. I. & Mahiyuddin, W. R. W. Heavy metal levels and risk assessment from consumption of marine fish in Peninsular Malaysia. J. Environ. Prot. (Irvine Calif) . 10 , 1450 (2019). Boyd, C. E., McNevin, A. A. & Davis, R. P. The contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to the global protein supply. Food Secur. 14 , 805–827 (2022). Malakootian, M., Mortazavi, M. S. & Ahmadi, A. Heavy metals bioaccumulation in fish of southern Iran and risk assessment of fish consumption. Environ. Health Eng. Manage. J. 3 , 61–68 (2016). Majumdar, B. C., Afrin, F., Rasul, M. G., Khan, M. & Shah, A. K. M. Comparative study of physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory aspects of some sun dried fishes in Bangladesh. Brazilian J. Biol. Sci. 4 , 323–331 (2017). Edosomwan, E. U., Ainerua, M. O. & Izevbizua, D. O. Heavy metals levels in dried fish consumed in Benin and Warri Metropolis; levels and health risk assessment. Afr. Sci. ; 17 . (2016). Hossain, M. B. et al. Metals bioaccumulation in 15 commonly consumed fishes from the lower Meghna river and adjacent areas of Bangladesh and associated human health hazards. Toxics 10 , 139 (2022). Islam, M. M., Karim, M. R., Zheng, X. & Li, X. Heavy metal and metalloid pollution of soil, water and foods in Bangladesh: a critical review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public. Health . 15 , 2825 (2018). Ako, P. A. & Salihu, S. O. Studies on some major and trace metals in smoked and oven-dried fish 2004. Hashim, R., Song, T. H., Muslim, N. Z. M. & Yen, T. P. Determination of heavy metal levels in fishes from the lower reach of the Kelantan River, Kelantan, Malaysia. Trop. Life Sci. Res. 25 , 21 (2014). Bawuro, A. A., Voegborlo, R. B. & Adimado, A. A. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in some tissues of fish in Lake Geriyo, Adamawa State, Nigeria. J. Environ. Public. Health . 2018 , 1854892 (2018). Castro-González, M. I. & Méndez-Armenta, M. Heavy metals: Implications associated to fish consumption. Environ. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 26 , 263–271 (2008). Rahman, M. S. & Islam, M. R. Adsorption of Cd (II) ions from synthetic waste water using maple sawdust. Energy Sour. Part A Recover. Utilization Environ. Eff. 32 , 222–231 (2009). Mortuza, M. G. & Al-Misned, F. A. Heavy Metal Concentration in Two Freshwater Fishes from Wadi Hanifah (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) and Evaluation of Possible Health Hazard to Consumers. Pak J. Zool. ; 47 . (2015). Reza, M. S. Different types of dried fish products: a country’s perspective. Dry Fish: A Global Perspective on Nutritional Security and Economic Sustainability, Springer; 45–58. (2024). Kawser Ahmed, M. et al. Human health risks from heavy metals in fish of Buriganga river. Bangladesh Springerplus . 5 , 1697 (2016). Wahiduzzaman, M., Islam, M. M., Sikder, A. H. F. & Parveen, Z. Bioaccumulation and heavy metal contamination in fish species of the Dhaleswari River of Bangladesh and related human health implications. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 200 , 3854–3866 (2022). Chowdhury, A. I. et al. Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in vegetables of Bangladesh. Sci. Rep. 14 , 15616 (2024). Agency) U (US EP. Guidance for assessing chemical contaminant data for use in fish advisories: Volume 2, risk assessment and fish consumption limits 2000. SARKER, M. D. J. et al. Behavioural patterns related to the marine fish consumption-An analysis of coastal belt households, Noakhali, Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Fisheries . 32 , 343–356 (2020). Harmanescu, M., Alda, L. M., Bordean, D. M., Gogoasa, I. & Gergen, I. Heavy metals health risk assessment for population via consumption of vegetables grown in old mining area; a case study: Banat County, Romania. Chem. Cent. J. 5 , 64 (2011). EPA U. Integrated Risk Information System-Database (IRIS) (2007). Epa, U. S. Regional screening level (RSL) summary table (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2011). Zheng, L., Zhang, Q., Li, Z., Sun, R. & Zhong, G. Exposure risk assessment of nine metal elements in Chongqing hotpot seasoning. RSC Adv. 10 , 1971–1980 (2020). Wang, X., Sato, T., Xing, B. & Tao, S. Health risks of heavy metals to the general public in Tianjin, China via consumption of vegetables and fish. Sci. Total Environ. 350 , 28–37 (2005). Smith, R. L. EPA region III risk based concentration table 1–24 (Environmental Protection Agency, 1995). Ullah, A. K. M. A., Maksud, M. A., Khan, S. R., Lutfa, L. N. & Quraishi, S. B. Dietary intake of heavy metals from eight highly consumed species of cultured fish and possible human health risk implications in Bangladesh. Toxicol. Rep. 4 , 574–579 (2017). Nauen, C. E. Compilation of legal limits for hazardous substances in fish and fishery products. (1983). Murtala, B. A., Abdul, W. O. & Akinyemi, A. A. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish (Hydrocynus forskahlii, Hyperopisus bebe occidentalis and Clarias gariepinus) organs in downstream Ogun coastal water, Nigeria. J. Agric. Sci. 4 , 51 (2012). Alipour, H., Pourkhabbaz, A. & Hassanpour, M. Determination of metals (As, Cu, Fe, and Zn) in two fish species from the Miankaleh wetland. Fisheries Aquat. Life . 24 , 99–105 (2016). Al Zubaidy, E. A. H., Mohammad, F. S. & Bassioni, G. Effect of pH, salinity and temperature on aluminum cookware leaching during food preparation. Int. J. Electrochem. Sci. 6 , 6424–6441 (2011). Bassioni, G., Korin, A. & Salama, A. E. D. Stainless steel as a source of potential hazard due to metal leaching into beverages. Int. J. Electrochem. Sci. 10 , 3792–3802 (2015). Ali, M. M. et al. Heavy metal concentrations in commercially valuable fishes with health hazard inference from Karnaphuli river, Bangladesh. Hum. Ecol. Risk Assessment: Int. J. 26 , 2646–2662 (2020). Islam, M. S. et al. Health risk assessment due to heavy metal exposure from commonly consumed fish and vegetables. Environ. Syst. Decis. 36 , 253–265 (2016). Joint, F. A. O. & Additives, W. H. O. E. C. on F. Compendium of Food Additive Specifications: Addendum 11. Food & Agriculture Org.; (2003). Council, N. R. & Sciences, C. on L, Allowances S on the TE of the RD. Recommended dietary allowances (1989). Organization, W. H. Guidelines for drinking-water quality Vol. 1 (World health organization, 2004). Chowdhury, A. I. & Alam, M. R. Health effects of heavy metals in meat and poultry consumption in Noakhali, Bangladesh. Toxicol. Rep. 12 , 168–177 (2024). Tani, F. H. & Barrington, S. Zinc and copper uptake by plants under two transpiration rates. Part I. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L). Environ. Pollut. 138 , 538–547 (2005). Fryer, M., Collins, C. D., Ferrier, H., Colvile, R. N. & Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J. Human exposure modelling for chemical risk assessment: a review of current approaches and research and policy implications. Environ. Sci. Policy . 9 , 261–274 (2006). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8234282","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":555630739,"identity":"4ff3c820-5d4b-4da8-a2df-c93ac1510191","order_by":0,"name":"Akibul Islam Chowdhury","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Daffodil International University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Akibul","middleName":"Islam","lastName":"Chowdhury","suffix":""},{"id":555630740,"identity":"96e5fd80-2943-4d65-830d-e7d6c6c83af7","order_by":1,"name":"Farjana Akter","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Noakhali Science and Technology University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Farjana","middleName":"","lastName":"Akter","suffix":""},{"id":555630741,"identity":"d44b5b2e-1bab-426d-9dab-8b509824ac37","order_by":2,"name":"Mohammad Rahanur Alam","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA+ElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFACHgjF3gAkPkDFJBgYDjA2ENLCc4yBgXEGWDUpWph5iNFi3n724OfCtnsMPPK9hz/b7qirMzjAfPA2D8MdWVxaZM7kJUvPbCtm4GHjS5POPXNYwuAAW7I1D8MzY1xaJBhyDKR52xIY7Nl4zJhz2w4AtfCYSfMwHE7EqYX/jfFvkBYeNh7jz5ZtdUAt/N/wa5HIMZOGajGQZmxjBtnCRkDLGzNrnnMJPDxsOWaSvW2HJWceZjO2nGOAxy/8Oca3ecoS5HiYzxh/+NlWx893vPnhjTcVuEMMBngQTGYQYUBA/SgYBaNgFIwCvAAAydJL8UqIXrIAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Noakhali Science and Technology University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mohammad","middleName":"Rahanur","lastName":"Alam","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-11-29 04:38:15","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8234282/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8234282/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":97535016,"identity":"91aa8b88-04a4-4837-bc4b-8cb738844048","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-05 13:55:46","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":592513,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"DraftManuscriptpolyDriedfish.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8234282/v1/4ddf019ed47c77fd4f4b8525.docx"},{"id":97535008,"identity":"4ec10d49-27c0-4371-8c69-2d6d7fc4fce2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-05 13:55:46","extension":"json","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":5341,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"13a431ad4d0b42868436880a6c84984f.json","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8234282/v1/fd69fe334aafb29b24b61b25.json"},{"id":97672548,"identity":"9d551fcb-fab2-4bf5-85a6-34ad312cbe1c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-08 09:38:21","extension":"xml","order_by":2,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":123547,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"13a431ad4d0b42868436880a6c84984f1enriched.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8234282/v1/6eff638415a793294166194b.xml"},{"id":97535012,"identity":"7c3d78ad-29c0-4cac-8f53-56919c646fe6","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-05 13:55:46","extension":"jpeg","order_by":4,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":1449570,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8234282/v1/bd4a4ac7f3c50924ebd06903.jpeg"},{"id":97535010,"identity":"c37cb827-bb0a-4cea-ae67-93c7dcd0a864","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-05 13:55:46","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":57052,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8234282/v1/715df2a1441ca69d4355dd32.png"},{"id":97672138,"identity":"412bdbc8-7c9c-45a5-9db0-93f8189a9106","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-08 09:34:21","extension":"xml","order_by":7,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":122613,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"13a431ad4d0b42868436880a6c84984f1structuring.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8234282/v1/83a66f74c9e73798ba403c43.xml"},{"id":97535011,"identity":"3c9e5493-9779-4494-820d-62977ba884f3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-05 13:55:46","extension":"html","order_by":8,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":129771,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8234282/v1/200c280e3460984bc5510039.html"},{"id":97535007,"identity":"895436bd-37bd-4d34-bf39-f618ff3ad49b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-05 13:55:45","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":455664,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMap shows the sampling site the Noakhali District of Bangladesh and indicated sampling points.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8234282/v1/b1d65a51db8fb969c0128df9.png"},{"id":97670237,"identity":"0f25d8a5-a018-4135-bde6-2ccec2953e7d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-08 09:29:59","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":6219,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdentification of sources of heavy metals by the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Onlinefloatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8234282/v1/86b4849e2e538f90956a1789.png"},{"id":98622304,"identity":"a0c89004-ab50-4791-9da1-f120d0172ce0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-19 16:51:33","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1541710,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8234282/v1/cfa3f31e-3333-4028-860b-d65861b71110.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Heavy Metal Contamination Risk Analysis of Dried Fish: Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Threats to Bangladeshi Consumers","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eFish and fish products are a vital element of human diet all over the world. Fish is a highly perishable commodity, so applying preservation techniques is very important to maintain quality and increase shelf life [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Drying is an effective and inexpensive processing method for preserving fish by lowering the moisture content of the fish body, which is a popular technique used not only in Bangladesh but also around the world [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Using this process, significant amount of freshwater and marine fish are preserved every year [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. As Bangladesh is known as a \u003cem\u003enodimatrik desh\u003c/em\u003e \u0026ndash; a country borne by rivers, fish and fish products are closely connected with food habit and it is the most important sources of protein, accounted for around 60% of the total animal protein requirement [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. According to statistics conducted by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 17% of animal protein and an account of 6% of total protein intake are met by fish worldwide [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. It is estimated that, around 20% of the local fish caught in Bangladesh is dried by sun and consumed every year [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. To meet the demands of dried fish, our country exported significant amount of dried fishes internationally as dried fish is rich source of nutrition including 80\u0026ndash;85% protein.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough, frequent consumption may potentially indicate a health risk, as fish contaminated with heavy metals, this is a common problem worldwide. The presence of toxic heavy metals in the fish body can negate their beneficial effects [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. In the aquatic food chain, fish remains at the top and thus accumulations of heavy metals occur to a significant extent. Trace elements in fish may come from multiple sources within the aquatic ecosystem. These sources encompass the water column, sediment deposits, and adjacent terrestrial environments, along with the dietary practices of the fish themselves. Furthermore, the techniques used in the preservation and handling of dried fish can also influence the concentrations of these trace elements [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. Apart from this, developing countries like in Bangladesh rapid urbanization and geological sources have caused widespread heavy metal pollution [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. It has been noted in many studies that, the bioaccumulation of heavy metals are sequentially posed by different advanced tissues in fish body [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e] and subsequently enter into the human diet resulted different serious issues [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcute and chronic exposure or contact with heavy metals can lead to kidney failure, liver damage, cardiovascular disease and even death [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. In that sense, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) all of them are listed as the most toxic members of heavy metal [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. Lead (Pb) possesses extreme toxicity, renal and hepatopancreatic dysfunction, even carcinogenicity of the brain, prostate gland, and other organs of a human being [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. Other heavy metals, such as chromium, zinc, and copper, can induce nephritis, anuria, and severe kidney lesions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. Though, Cr and Fe are very crucial content for human physiological development whenever, the permissible limit crossed in diet, these can cause carcinogenic effects on human health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. Furthermore, they could pose risk to the ecological balance of the environment, affecting bio-diversity of aquatic organisms [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNoakhali is a coastal district of Bangladesh where people mostly consume fish and dried fish from different local fish markets. Due to the historical and cultural significance along with specific taste and cheaper price, dried fish play an importance role in regular diet and nutritional security in Bangladesh [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, the analysis of heavy metals in dried fishes from this area is indispensable as an important public concern of human health. Numerous studies have been published on heavy metals in the aquatic environment and fish of Bangladesh, such as the Buriganga river [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e], Bangshi river, Meghna river [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e], Dhaleshwari river [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]. Despite the prevalence of dried fish consumption, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the concentrations of heavy metals in these products and the associated health risks linked to their consumption. Moreover, communities and authorities in rural coastal regions of Bangladesh are largely unaware of the health implications arising from the accumulation of heavy metals in dried fish. Consequently, this study aims to assess the concentration of heavy metals in dried fish sold at the Noakhali fish market and to evaluate the associated health risks to consumers. The findings will offer critical insights for local populations and management authorities, facilitating informed decision-making regarding this public health concern.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSampling and study area:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData was collected from Noakhali area where large number of marine fishes were caught and dried. A total 15 different species of dried fish. These dried fishes were collected triplet from three different markets of Noakhali (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Samples were collected in polythene bags and brought in the laboratory for analysis.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSample preparation and wet digestion:\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSamples for heavy metal analysis were dried properly, grinded and stored in desiccator. Wet digestion method was used for sample preparation for heavy metals analysis of dried fish. In wet digestion technique, 0.5g sample for each species were taken and digested by adding 5ml of acid mixture (HNO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e (69% concentrated) : H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e (95\u0026ndash;97% concentrated)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1:4) in heating block with 170\u0026deg;C temperature [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. After completion of digestion, 2ml of H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e (30% concentrated) were added continuously until organic free solution was prepared. Then digested solution were filtrated and the volume made up to 250 ml by adding deionized water.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMetal analysis:\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni and Fe) contents in dried fishes were analyzed using Perkin-Elmer Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (model novAA 900H auto sampler). Graphite furnace technique was used to quantify Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni and flame technique for Fe. Each samples were analysed in triplicate and the value of heavy metals were expressed as mg/kg of dry weight.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuality Control and Assurance:\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSamples were prepared using distilled water and analytical quality chemical components. To ensure the quality, all glass instruments were cleaned and soaked for 24 h using 1% HNO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e solution. European Commission Guidelines were used for measuring detection limit and instrumental conditions. The correlation coefficient (R\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) was ranged from 0.996 to 0.998 and limit of detection was ranged from 0.004 to 1.5 \u0026micro;g/L. The percentage of recovery of the standards are in range of 86% to 190% indicating acceptable range.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData were analyzed using SPSS software (v23.0) and Microsoft Excel. Concentrations of heavy metals were presented in mean and standard deviation using one-way ANOVA test to find out significant differences among metals. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were employed to find out the potential sources of studied heavy metals.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHeavy metals risk assessment:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo assess the potential health risks associated with the consumption of dried fish available in local markets, this study calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) in accordance with the procedures outlined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEstimated daily intake (EDI):\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe estimated daily intake (EDI) was calculated using the average concentration of heavy metals in food samples, factoring in the weight of the food items consumed by an individual. The following formulae was used for EDI calculation:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"Heading\"\u003eEDI =\u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:\\:\\frac{MC\\:\\times\\:IR}{BW}\\)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003ewhere IR is the dried fish ingestion rate (g/person/day) which is 3.71 g/person/day in Noakhali district [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e], MC represents the concentration of heavy metals in dried fish samples, measured in mg/kg. The body weight (BW) is assumed to be 60 kg for adults in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTarget Hazard Quotient:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) serves as an indicator of the non-cancer risk level associated with exposure to contaminants. The THQ is calculated using the following formula:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTHQ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;EDI / RfD\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRfD is the reference dose (mg/kg bw/day) for metals which was based 0.001, 0.003, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.004 (mg/kg-bw/day) for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb respectively [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR26\" citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. According to the guidelines of the Chinese Nutrition Society (CNS), the RfDs for Fe is 0.7 mg/kg-bw/ day [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf the THQ is less than 1, it indicates that exposed consumers are unlikely to face any adverse health risks. Conversely, if the THQ is equal to or greater than 1, there is a potential health risk, necessitating the implementation of appropriate interventions and protective measures [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTotal target hazard quotient (TTHQ):\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTTHQ for individual from THQs is expressed as the sum of the hazard quotient [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e].\u003cdiv id=\"Equa\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\u003cdiv format=\"TEX\" class=\"mathdisplay\" id=\"FileID_Equa\" name=\"EquationSource\"\u003e\n$$\\:TTHQ=TH\\text{Q}\\left(\\text{C}\\text{r}\\right)+TH\\text{Q}\\:\\left(\\text{P}\\text{b}\\right)+\\text{T}\\text{H}\\text{Q}\\left(\\text{C}\\text{d}\\right)+\\text{T}\\text{H}\\text{Q}\\:\\left(\\text{N}\\text{i}\\right)+\\text{T}\\text{H}\\text{Q}\\left(\\text{F}\\text{e}\\right)$$\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCarcinogenic risk (CR):\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe carcinogenic risk (CR) was utilized to indicate the potential carcinogenic risks associated with exposure. The methodology for estimating CR is detailed in the Region III Risk-Based Concentration Table published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e]. The model for estimating CR was shown as follows (4):\u003cdiv id=\"Equb\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\u003cdiv format=\"TEX\" class=\"mathdisplay\" id=\"FileID_Equb\" name=\"EquationSource\"\u003e\n$$\\:TR=\\:EDI*CPSo$$\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEDI refers to the estimated daily intake of metals. The carcinogenic potency slope for the oral route is specified as 0.0085 mg/kg body weight per day for lead (Pb), 6.3 mg/kg body weight per day for cadmium (Cd), 0.5 mg/kg body weight per day for chromium (Cr), and 1.7 mg/kg body weight per day for nickel (Ni), as established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA, 2011) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenerally, a carcinogenic risk (CR) value below 1.0E\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;06 is regarded as negligible, while a value above 1.0E\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;04 is deemed unacceptable. Values that fall between 1.0E\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;06 and 1.0E\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;04 are considered to be within an acceptable range[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results and discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHeavy metal concentrations in dried fishes:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e represents the mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD of heavy metals concentrations (Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Pb) in dried fishes. The average concentration of different heavy metals in dried fish were found in the following order Ni\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Cr\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Fe\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Pb\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Cd. The highest concentration of Cr was found in dried Silver pomfret (61.81123\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.38031) and the lowest in dried Ribbon fish (2.15354\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.62880). The mean concentration of Cr in dried fish was higher than the recommended value by FAO/WHO [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]. Some literatures showed lower mean concentration of Cr in dried fish [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. Ni and Fe are considered as essential elements for human and animals. The mean concentration of Fe (169.77 mg/kg) and Ni (6.71 mg/kg) in dried fishes were found much lower than the recommended value set by FAO/WHO. The concentration of Fe in dried fish was quite similar to Rakib et al [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e] and Hossain et al [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e] whereas the concentration of Ni was much higher [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. Mean concentration of Cd and Pb in the dried fishes were ranged between 0.47 to 9.24 and 0.76 to 4.19 respectively. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in the present study were higher than FAO/WHO standards value [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e] which is not consistent with Rakib et al [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003econcentration of heavy metals (mean \u0026plusmn; SD) in dried fishes commonly available in local markets\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSample\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eScientific name\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHeavy metals in dried fishes (mg/kg)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCd\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCr\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFe\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBombay duck\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHarpadon nehereus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.61\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.82\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.61\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e136.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRibbon fish\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTrichiurus savala\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.63\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e88.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBDL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDouble spotted queenfish\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eScomberoides lysan\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.42\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e218.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.14\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMonsoon river prawn\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMacrobracium malcolmsoni\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.64\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.16\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.61\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e294.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.85\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.66\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.34\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSind danio\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAilia punctata\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.51\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.90\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.86\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.42\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e117.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBata\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLabeo bata\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.89\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e213.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.97\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGoldspotted grenadier anchovy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eColia dussumieri\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.81\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.34\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBDL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYellowtail mullet\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSicamugil cascasia\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.74\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e196.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMola Carplet\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAmblypharyngodon mola\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.24\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.01\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.94\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e145.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.59\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIndo-Pacific king mackerel\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eScomberomorus guttatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e154.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.72\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBigeye ilisha\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIlisha megaloptera\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.56\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.57\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e117.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.61\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32.66\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBDL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRubicundus Eel Goby\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOdontamblyopus rubicundus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.69\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e121.0\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.12\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.95\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePama\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOtolithoides pama\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.37\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.51\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e181.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.09\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBDL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSilver pomfret\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePampus chinensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e61.81\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e97.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.87\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.58\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.59\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpot fin swamp barb\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePuntius sophore\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e56.63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e429.5\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.76\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRange\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.47\u0026ndash;9.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.15\u0026ndash;61.81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.09\u0026ndash;32.65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35.5-429.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.76\u0026ndash;4.19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e169.77\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.85\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecommended limit (mg/kg dried wt)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.65\u0026ndash;4.35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e434.78\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e347.82\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003eBDL, below detection limit\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003eRecommended limits by WHO [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCorrelation of heavy metals:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe correlation between metals was identified by Pearson\u0026rsquo;s correlation and presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. Most of metals showed weak and negative correlations which indicated that the sources of contamination with heavy metals were not same. High loads of metals may come from anthropogenic or industrial waste [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. High concentration of Fe in dried fishes could be from pans where the fishes were dried [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e]. In principal component analysis (PCA), the loadings showed the direction and magnitude of the relationships between the metals and principal components. In PC1, there is positive loadings for Pb, Cd and Fe and negative loadings for Cr and Ni which indicates that metals may derived from anthropogenic activities such as fisheries, industrial waste, mining etc. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. The PC2 indicates that there are positive loadings for Cr, Pb, Cd and Ni. This indicates that these metals may derived from natural sources.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorrelation between metals in dried fishes and the component matrix for PCA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCr\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCd\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFe\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePC1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePC2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCr\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.527\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.850\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePb\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.722\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.635\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCd\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.832\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.554\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNi\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.399\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.917\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFe\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.45**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.990\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-0.140\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEigen value\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.706\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.294\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e% of variance\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54.123\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45.877\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003e**p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing the Ward\u0026rsquo;s method, the hierarchical cluster analysis is conducted to identify the groupings of studied heavy metals (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The analysis showed three primary clusters of the heavy metals. The HCA identified sites likely affected by common pollution sources, such as industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, or natural processes, by clustering sites with similar profiles. Notably, Cluster 1 included Cd, Pb and Ni, suggesting industrial origins like metal plating and manufacturing. Cluster 2, made by Cr, points to sources such as vehicular emissions and industrial discharges. Cluster 3, dominated by Fe, is linked to electroplating, mining, and other industrial activities. These insights facilitate the prioritization of remediation efforts and the development of strategies to mitigate pollution.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eEstimated daily intake (EDI):\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe estimated daily intake (EDI) of heavy metals from different dried fish species for adults as well as comparison with maximum tolerable daily intake was presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e. Higher intake of Fe from studied dried fishes was shown for adults compared with other metals. The least intake was for Cd (0.00155 mg/kg /day). The total intake of Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb were low compared with MTDI value which indicated that consumption of dried fishes was considered to be safe and there was no non-carcinogenic risk of studied heavy metals prior to consumption. The results were similar with some previous literature studied in Bangladesh [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e]. However, increase consumption of fishes may increase the risk of non-carcinogenic risk [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEDI (mg/kg of body weight) of heavy metals through consumption of sampled dried fish in adults\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSample\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCd\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCr\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFe\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBombay duck\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000056\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.003268*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.008378\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000269\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000096\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eribbon fish\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000024\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000201\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.005380\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000271\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDouble spotted queenfish\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000126\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.004984*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.013449\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000299\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000225\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMonsoon river prawn\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000259\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001855\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.018241\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000465\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000412\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSind danio\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000063\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001045\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.007235\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000382\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000196\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBata\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000069\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.002196\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.013263\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000481\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000587\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGoldspotted grenadier anchovy\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000117\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000910\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.002195\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000480\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYellowtail mullet\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000111\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000648\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.012212\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000333\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000448\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMola Carplet\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000582\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.002099\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.008966\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000285\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000068\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIndo-Pacific king mackerel\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000016\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001725\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.009522\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000254\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000080\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBigeye ilisha\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000035\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000853\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.007327\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001883\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRubicundus Eel Goby\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000891\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.007544\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000338\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000209\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePama\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000024\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001854\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.011161\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000213\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003esilver pomfret\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000025\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.003920*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.006091\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000206\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000075\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpot fin swamp barb\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000025\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.003599*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.026496\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000306\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000049\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTotal daily intake from dried fish\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00155\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0143\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.157\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00647\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00245\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMTDI\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.046\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.21\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003eMTDI; maximum tolerable daily intake\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNon-carcinogenic health hazard:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTarget hazard quotient (THQ) of the five metals (Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni and Pb) from the consumption of dried fish in Bangladesh were presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. The THQ value of Cr was \u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1 in four species of dried fishes (Bombay duck, Double spotted queenfish, Silver pomfret and Spot fin swamp barb) which indicated that Cr might impose non-carcinogenic health risk for human prior to consumption of these fishes. However, the mean THQ of all metals were \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;1 indicated that consumption of dried fish was safe for human consumption. The ranking of total THQ (TTHQ) was in order of Double spotted queenfish\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Silver pomfret\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Mola Carplet\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Spot fin swamp barb\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Bombay duck\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Monsoon River prawn\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Bata\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Pama\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Indo-Pacific king mackerel\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Sind danio\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Yellowtail mullet\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Goldspotted grenadier anchovy\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Rubicundus Eel Goby\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Bigeye ilisha\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;ribbon fish. Considering all metals, the TTHQ value for Double spotted queenfish, Silver pomfret, Mola Carplet, Spot fin swamp barb, and Bombay duck dried fishes were \u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1. In the total TTHQ value, Cr (80%) contributed much than other metals. Estimation of TTHQ is helpful for combining the effects of all metals of different foods used in many previous literatures [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCarcinogenic risk:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe carcinogenic risk (CR) derived from the consumption of Cr, Cd and Pb were estimated and presented in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. Cr, Cd and Pb are considered as carcinogenic according to IARC [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e]. The CR values were ranged from 9.78E-06 to 3.49E-04 for Cd, 8.26E-06 to 2.04E-04 for Cr and 8.12E-07 to 4.99E-06 for Pb. For some of the dried fish species, the CR value for Cd and Cr was \u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1.0E-04, which were unacceptable. However, the mean CR for Cd, Cr and Pb were lying within 10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/sup\u003e to 10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;4\u003c/sup\u003e which are generally considered as acceptable [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e]. The findings of the present study were in line with Rakib et al [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, the study stated that, continuous accumulation and long-time ingestion of dried fishes may have potential carcinogenic risk.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCarcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of trace metals from dried fish consumption\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"10\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSample\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNon-carcinogenic risk\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c8\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCarcinogenic risk (CR)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTarget Hazard Quotient (THQ)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal THQ\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCd\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCr\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFe\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNi\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCd\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCr\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBombay duck\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.05581\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.08923\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01196\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00537\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.02388\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.186270\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.35E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.34E-4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.12E-7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRibbon fish\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.02403\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.06712\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00768\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00542\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.10426\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.44E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.26E-6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eND\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDouble spotted queenfish\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.12620\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.66140\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01921\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00598\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.05622\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.86902\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.57E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.04E-4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.91E-6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMonsoon river prawn\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.25930\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.61835\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.02605\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00930\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.10300\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.01602\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.56E-4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.61E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.50E-6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSind danio\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.06297\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.34846\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01033\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00763\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.04891\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.47832\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.78E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.29E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.66E-6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBata\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.06891\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.73210\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01894\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00961\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.14665\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.97622\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.13E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.01E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.99E-6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGoldspotted grenadier anchovy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.11656\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.30328\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00313\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00959\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.43258\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.99E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.73E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eND\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYellowtail mullet\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.11088\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.21616\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01744\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00666\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.11193\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.46309\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.65E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.66E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.81E-6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMola Carplet\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.58174\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.69968\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01280\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00569\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01709\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.31701\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.49E-4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.61E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.81E-7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIndo-Pacific king mackerel\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01630\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.57496\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01360\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00508\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0200\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.63001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.78E-6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.07E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.82E-7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBigeye ilisha\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.03454\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.28435\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01046\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.03765\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.36701\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.07E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.49E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eND\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRubicundus Eel Goby\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.02135\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.29713\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01077\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00675\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.05213\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.38815\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.28E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.65E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.77E-6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePama\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.02379\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.61798\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01594\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00426\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.66198\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.43E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.60E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eND\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSilver pomfret\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.02510\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.30682\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00870\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00412\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01874\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.36349\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.51E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.61E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.37E-7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpot fin swamp barb\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01128\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.19954\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.03785\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00611\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01222\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.26702\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.78E-6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.48E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.15E-7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMean\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.10258\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.6677\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.01499\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00861\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.04072\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.16E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.36E-5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.38E-6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eContribution to TTHQ (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.80\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.88\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study highlights the concerning levels of heavy metals in commonly consumed dried fish from Noakhali, Bangladesh, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with their consumption. Analysis of 15 different species revealed elevated concentrations of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe), with Cr levels surpassing the recommended limits set by the FAO/WHO in several species, notably the dried Silver Pomfret. While the estimated daily intake (EDI) of heavy metals was generally within safe limits, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) calculations indicated that some species, particularly Bombay Duck and Double Spotted Queenfish, pose non-carcinogenic health risks due to their heightened Cr levels. Additionally, the carcinogenic risk (CR) assessment suggested that regular consumption of these fish may result in unacceptable risks for both Cd and Cr.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBased on the findings of this study, it is essential to establish a robust monitoring and regulatory framework to address heavy metal contamination in dried fish sold in local markets. Furthermore, promoting sustainable fishing and processing practices can significantly reduce the risk of contamination. This could involve educating fishers on safe handling and drying techniques to minimize exposure to environmental pollutants. Collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations is necessary to develop policies aimed at mitigating industrial pollution and managing sources of heavy metal contamination in aquatic environments. Lastly, further research into alternative preservation methods may help retain the nutritional value of dried fish while minimizing health risks, ensuring that this important dietary staple remains safe and beneficial for local populations.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ch2\u003eEthical Approval:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted following all guidelines and methods and ethical approval was taken from the ethical committee of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU/RC-FN-01/T-22144).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe author(s) declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability Statement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eDataset generated and analysed in this study is made available upon request from corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAuthors Contribution: Chowdhury Akibul Islam :\u0026nbsp;Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Software, Visualization, Writing \u0026ndash; original draft, Writing \u0026ndash; review \u0026amp; editing. Akter Farjana: Data curation, Methodology, Visualization, Writing-original draft. Alam Mohammad Rahanur: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Resources, Supervision, Validation, Writing \u0026ndash; review \u0026amp; editing.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDataset generated and analysed in this study is made available upon request from corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSulieman, A. M. E. \u0026amp; Mustafa, W. A. Quality characteristics of dried fish obtained from Eldeim Area, Central Sudan. \u003cem\u003eInt. J. Food Sci. Nutr. Eng.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e, 1\u0026ndash;6 (2012).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSolanki, J. B. Different types of fish drying methods in Gujarat. \u003cem\u003eInt. J. Fish. Aquat. Stud.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e8\u003c/b\u003e, 129\u0026ndash;131 (2020).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine, S. S. et al. Traditional methods of fish drying: An explorative study in Sylhet, Bangladesh. \u003cem\u003eInt. J. Fish. Sci. Aquaculture\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e, 28\u0026ndash;35 (2015).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRakib, M. R. J. et al. Levels and health risk assessment of heavy metals in dried fish consumed in Bangladesh. \u003cem\u003eSci. Rep.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e11\u003c/b\u003e, 14642 (2021).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAkter, A., Hosen, A., Hossain, M. A., Khalil, F. \u0026amp; Mustafa, T. Heavy metal concentrations and human health risk assessment of selected wild and cultured fishes of Bangladesh. \u003cem\u003eBangladesh J. Zool.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e49\u003c/b\u003e, 189\u0026ndash;203 (2021).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAzmi, W. N. F. W., Ahmad, N. I. \u0026amp; Mahiyuddin, W. R. W. Heavy metal levels and risk assessment from consumption of marine fish in Peninsular Malaysia. \u003cem\u003eJ. Environ. Prot. (Irvine Calif)\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e10\u003c/b\u003e, 1450 (2019).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoyd, C. E., McNevin, A. A. \u0026amp; Davis, R. P. The contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to the global protein supply. \u003cem\u003eFood Secur.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e14\u003c/b\u003e, 805\u0026ndash;827 (2022).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMalakootian, M., Mortazavi, M. S. \u0026amp; Ahmadi, A. Heavy metals bioaccumulation in fish of southern Iran and risk assessment of fish consumption. \u003cem\u003eEnviron. Health Eng. Manage. J.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e3\u003c/b\u003e, 61\u0026ndash;68 (2016).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMajumdar, B. C., Afrin, F., Rasul, M. G., Khan, M. \u0026amp; Shah, A. K. M. Comparative study of physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory aspects of some sun dried fishes in Bangladesh. \u003cem\u003eBrazilian J. Biol. Sci.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e4\u003c/b\u003e, 323\u0026ndash;331 (2017).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdosomwan, E. U., Ainerua, M. O. \u0026amp; Izevbizua, D. O. Heavy metals levels in dried fish consumed in Benin and Warri Metropolis; levels and health risk assessment. \u003cem\u003eAfr. Sci.\u003c/em\u003e ;\u003cb\u003e17\u003c/b\u003e. (2016).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHossain, M. B. et al. Metals bioaccumulation in 15 commonly consumed fishes from the lower Meghna river and adjacent areas of Bangladesh and associated human health hazards. \u003cem\u003eToxics\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e10\u003c/b\u003e, 139 (2022).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIslam, M. M., Karim, M. R., Zheng, X. \u0026amp; Li, X. Heavy metal and metalloid pollution of soil, water and foods in Bangladesh: a critical review. \u003cem\u003eInt. J. Environ. Res. Public. Health\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e, 2825 (2018).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAko, P. A. \u0026amp; Salihu, S. O. Studies on some major and trace metals in smoked and oven-dried fish 2004.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHashim, R., Song, T. H., Muslim, N. Z. M. \u0026amp; Yen, T. P. Determination of heavy metal levels in fishes from the lower reach of the Kelantan River, Kelantan, Malaysia. \u003cem\u003eTrop. Life Sci. Res.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e25\u003c/b\u003e, 21 (2014).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBawuro, A. A., Voegborlo, R. B. \u0026amp; Adimado, A. A. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in some tissues of fish in Lake Geriyo, Adamawa State, Nigeria. \u003cem\u003eJ. Environ. Public. Health\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e2018\u003c/b\u003e, 1854892 (2018).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCastro-Gonz\u0026aacute;lez, M. I. \u0026amp; M\u0026eacute;ndez-Armenta, M. Heavy metals: Implications associated to fish consumption. \u003cem\u003eEnviron. Toxicol. Pharmacol.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e26\u003c/b\u003e, 263\u0026ndash;271 (2008).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRahman, M. S. \u0026amp; Islam, M. R. Adsorption of Cd (II) ions from synthetic waste water using maple sawdust. \u003cem\u003eEnergy Sour. Part A Recover. Utilization Environ. Eff.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e32\u003c/b\u003e, 222\u0026ndash;231 (2009).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMortuza, M. G. \u0026amp; Al-Misned, F. A. Heavy Metal Concentration in Two Freshwater Fishes from Wadi Hanifah (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) and Evaluation of Possible Health Hazard to Consumers. \u003cem\u003ePak J. Zool.\u003c/em\u003e ;\u003cb\u003e47\u003c/b\u003e. (2015).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReza, M. S. Different types of dried fish products: a country\u0026rsquo;s perspective. Dry Fish: A Global Perspective on Nutritional Security and Economic Sustainability, Springer; 45\u0026ndash;58. (2024).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKawser Ahmed, M. et al. Human health risks from heavy metals in fish of Buriganga river. \u003cem\u003eBangladesh Springerplus\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e5\u003c/b\u003e, 1697 (2016).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWahiduzzaman, M., Islam, M. M., Sikder, A. H. F. \u0026amp; Parveen, Z. Bioaccumulation and heavy metal contamination in fish species of the Dhaleswari River of Bangladesh and related human health implications. \u003cem\u003eBiol. Trace Elem. Res.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e200\u003c/b\u003e, 3854\u0026ndash;3866 (2022).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChowdhury, A. I. et al. Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in vegetables of Bangladesh. \u003cem\u003eSci. Rep.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e14\u003c/b\u003e, 15616 (2024).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAgency) U (US EP. Guidance for assessing chemical contaminant data for use in fish advisories: Volume 2, risk assessment and fish consumption limits 2000.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSARKER, M. D. J. et al. Behavioural patterns related to the marine fish consumption-An analysis of coastal belt households, Noakhali, Bangladesh. \u003cem\u003eBangladesh J. Fisheries\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e32\u003c/b\u003e, 343\u0026ndash;356 (2020).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarmanescu, M., Alda, L. M., Bordean, D. M., Gogoasa, I. \u0026amp; Gergen, I. Heavy metals health risk assessment for population via consumption of vegetables grown in old mining area; a case study: Banat County, Romania. \u003cem\u003eChem. Cent. J.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e5\u003c/b\u003e, 64 (2011).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEPA U. Integrated Risk Information System-Database (IRIS) (2007).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEpa, U. S. \u003cem\u003eRegional screening level (RSL) summary table\u003c/em\u003e (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2011).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZheng, L., Zhang, Q., Li, Z., Sun, R. \u0026amp; Zhong, G. Exposure risk assessment of nine metal elements in Chongqing hotpot seasoning. \u003cem\u003eRSC Adv.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e10\u003c/b\u003e, 1971\u0026ndash;1980 (2020).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWang, X., Sato, T., Xing, B. \u0026amp; Tao, S. Health risks of heavy metals to the general public in Tianjin, China via consumption of vegetables and fish. \u003cem\u003eSci. Total Environ.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e350\u003c/b\u003e, 28\u0026ndash;37 (2005).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmith, R. L. \u003cem\u003eEPA region III risk based concentration table\u003c/em\u003e 1\u0026ndash;24 (Environmental Protection Agency, 1995).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUllah, A. K. M. A., Maksud, M. A., Khan, S. R., Lutfa, L. N. \u0026amp; Quraishi, S. B. Dietary intake of heavy metals from eight highly consumed species of cultured fish and possible human health risk implications in Bangladesh. \u003cem\u003eToxicol. Rep.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e4\u003c/b\u003e, 574\u0026ndash;579 (2017).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNauen, C. E. Compilation of legal limits for hazardous substances in fish and fishery products. (1983).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMurtala, B. A., Abdul, W. O. \u0026amp; Akinyemi, A. A. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish (Hydrocynus forskahlii, Hyperopisus bebe occidentalis and Clarias gariepinus) organs in downstream Ogun coastal water, Nigeria. \u003cem\u003eJ. Agric. Sci.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e4\u003c/b\u003e, 51 (2012).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlipour, H., Pourkhabbaz, A. \u0026amp; Hassanpour, M. Determination of metals (As, Cu, Fe, and Zn) in two fish species from the Miankaleh wetland. \u003cem\u003eFisheries Aquat. Life\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e24\u003c/b\u003e, 99\u0026ndash;105 (2016).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAl Zubaidy, E. A. H., Mohammad, F. S. \u0026amp; Bassioni, G. Effect of pH, salinity and temperature on aluminum cookware leaching during food preparation. \u003cem\u003eInt. J. Electrochem. Sci.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e6\u003c/b\u003e, 6424\u0026ndash;6441 (2011).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBassioni, G., Korin, A. \u0026amp; Salama, A. E. D. Stainless steel as a source of potential hazard due to metal leaching into beverages. \u003cem\u003eInt. J. Electrochem. Sci.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e10\u003c/b\u003e, 3792\u0026ndash;3802 (2015).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAli, M. M. et al. Heavy metal concentrations in commercially valuable fishes with health hazard inference from Karnaphuli river, Bangladesh. \u003cem\u003eHum. Ecol. Risk Assessment: Int. J.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e26\u003c/b\u003e, 2646\u0026ndash;2662 (2020).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIslam, M. S. et al. Health risk assessment due to heavy metal exposure from commonly consumed fish and vegetables. \u003cem\u003eEnviron. Syst. Decis.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e36\u003c/b\u003e, 253\u0026ndash;265 (2016).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoint, F. A. O. \u0026amp; Additives, W. H. O. E. C. on F. Compendium of Food Additive Specifications: Addendum 11. Food \u0026amp; Agriculture Org.; (2003).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCouncil, N. R. \u0026amp; Sciences, C. on L, Allowances S on the TE of the RD. Recommended dietary allowances (1989).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrganization, W. H. \u003cem\u003eGuidelines for drinking-water quality\u003c/em\u003e Vol. 1 (World health organization, 2004).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChowdhury, A. I. \u0026amp; Alam, M. R. Health effects of heavy metals in meat and poultry consumption in Noakhali, Bangladesh. \u003cem\u003eToxicol. Rep.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e12\u003c/b\u003e, 168\u0026ndash;177 (2024).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTani, F. H. \u0026amp; Barrington, S. Zinc and copper uptake by plants under two transpiration rates. Part I. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L). \u003cem\u003eEnviron. Pollut.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e138\u003c/b\u003e, 538\u0026ndash;547 (2005).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFryer, M., Collins, C. D., Ferrier, H., Colvile, R. N. \u0026amp; Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J. Human exposure modelling for chemical risk assessment: a review of current approaches and research and policy implications. \u003cem\u003eEnviron. Sci. Policy\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e9\u003c/b\u003e, 261\u0026ndash;274 (2006).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"dried fish, heavy metals, health hazards, cancer risk, contamination level","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8234282/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8234282/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis study aimed to assess the concentration of heavy metals in commonly consumed dried fish from Noakhali and evaluate the associated health risks. A total of 15 species of dried fish were collected from local markets, and heavy metal concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) calculations were calculated to measure health risk. The mean range of Cd, Cr, Pb, Fe and Ni in fishes were 0.47\u0026ndash;9.24, 2.15\u0026ndash;61.81, 0.76\u0026ndash;4.19, 2.09\u0026ndash;32.65 and 35.5-429.5 respectively. The mean concentration of Cr and Pb exceeded the recommended value set by FAO/WHO in dried fishes. Health risks of metals were assessed in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR). EDI values of all fishes were less than the maximum tolerable daily intake indicating no adverse health effects. The mean THQ value for non-carcinogenic risk were \u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;1 (0.0086\u0026ndash;0.667) indicated no health risk for these fishes, whereas, the total THQ value\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1 indicated a potential health risk for all metals. CR values for Cr (8.26E-06 to 2.04E-04), Cd (9.78E-06 to 3.49E-04) and Pb (8.12E-07 to 4.99E-06) imposed some potential health for consumption. From the findings we advised to the regularity agencies to conduct regular monitoring of heavy metals in commercially available dried fish due to its historical and cultural significance and to reduce potential health risks.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Heavy Metal Contamination Risk Analysis of Dried Fish: Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Threats to Bangladeshi Consumers","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-12-05 13:55:41","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8234282/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"db1e7701-c4be-4fec-b627-2d8d3e8d27ae","owner":[],"postedDate":"December 5th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":59134850,"name":"Earth and environmental sciences/Environmental sciences"},{"id":59134851,"name":"Health sciences/Risk factors"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-12-10T09:25:01+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-12-05 13:55:41","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8234282","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8234282","identity":"rs-8234282","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}