Trace elements in four freshwater fish from a mine-impacted river: spatial distribution, species-specific accumulation, and risk assessment

The concentrations of 16 elements (Mg, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Cd, Ba, and Pb) were determined in four fish species (Carassius auratus, Squaliobarbus curriculus, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, and Silurus asotus) collected in the Xiang River, a mine-impacted river in Southern China. The mean values of the elements analyzed in fish muscles were in the decreasing order of Mg > Ca > Zn > Fe > Sr > Al > Cu > Mn > Ba > As > Cr > Pb > Ni > V > Co > Cd. The concentrations of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Cu in omnivorous species were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in carnivorous species. Negative correlations observed between most element concentrations and fish sizes indicated the younger individuals accumulated more elements than the older ones. Principle component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were employed to characterize the effects on element bioaccumulation using the element concentration matrix. The elemental profiles preferred to cluster according to differences in fish species rather than in sampling sites. The potential health risk evaluated through Monte Carlo simulation showed no appreciable adverse impact on human health from exposure to trace elements in fish muscles through consumption.