Analysis of metal(loid)s and minerals in tissues of fish from a reservoir on the Euphrates River by ICP-MS/MS: health risks, nutritional benefits and correlations with fish size.

This study analyzed the concentrations of 14 metal(loid)s and minerals (MMs) in the muscle, liver, and gills of Cyprinus carpio and Carasobarbus luteus collected from the Birecik Reservoir (Türkiye), located along the Euphrates River, using ICP-MS/MS. It also examined the influence of fish size (weight and length) on MM accumulation, assessed potential health risks associated with metal(loid) exposure, and evaluated the nutritional value of essential elements. Significant differences in MM concentrations were observed between the two species across all tissues. In both species, the liver exhibited the highest levels of MMs, followed by gills and muscle. No consistent pattern was found between fish size and MM accumulation. Both fish were identified as good dietary sources of essential elements such as Cu, Mg, P, K, Zn, Fe, and Mn. Health risk assessments indicated that consumption of these fish poses no carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic risk to adults. The weekly safe consumption limits were calculated as 840 g for C. carpio and 1680 g for C. luteus. Overall, the findings suggest that the nutritional benefits of consuming these fish species outweigh the potential risks from metal(loid) exposure.