Philippine Journal of Science
152 (2): 551-559, April 2023
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 02 Aug 2022

Bioaccumulation and Potential Human Health Risks
of Heavy Metals in the Muscles of Tank Goby
(Glossogobius giuris) in Lake Mainit, Philippines

Rhenzlyn Joy M. Agtong1, Francis Alizha R. Laudiño1, Marlon V. Elvira2,
Mayuko Fukuyama3, and Joycelyn C. Jumawan1*

1Department of Biology, College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences,
Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600 Philippines
2Department of Environmental Science, College of Forestry and Environmental Science,
Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City 8600 Philippines
3Graduate School of Engineering Science, Akita University, Akita Prefecture, Japan

*Corresponding author: jcjumawan@carsu.edu.ph

[Download]
Agtong RJ et al. 2023. Bioaccumulation and Potential Human Health Risks of Heavy Metals in the
Muscles of Tank Goby (Glossogobius giuris) in Lake Mainit, Philippines. Philipp J Sci 152(2): 551–559.
https://doi.org/10.56899/152.02.02

 

ABSTRACT

Lake Mainit is the deepest lake in the Philippines with significant economic and ecological importance supporting a wide range of the population. The lake is continuously exposed to various anthropogenic activities exacerbating water pollution and affecting environmental quality. In this study, heavy metal concentrations in the muscles of Glossogobius giurisfrom the lake were assessed using quadruple-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS). The potential health risk through consumption of this fish was measured following these parameters: estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TCR). Results show that heavy metal concentrations in the muscles of G. giuris are in this order: Cd (not detected) < Pb (0.05) < As (0.17) < Ni (0.35) < Cu (0.99) < Cr (1.43) < Zn (50.12). The consumption rate of G. giuris was moderate in Dinarawan (average of 164.44 g/person/d) and the lowest in Kalinawan (average of 45.67 g/person/d).Overall results ofEDI revealed that metals in the muscles of G. giuris are beyond the standard reference dose (RfD) except for Cd. The health-risk values of THQ determined that consumers in all stations are at risk from Cr and As, which appeared to be > 1. Furthermore, HI values from all stations are significantly greater than 1. The TCR results presented for Pb are within the acceptable range of carcinogenicity but exceeded for Cr, Ni, and As and may potentially result in carcinogenic risks to local consumers. It is recommended that heavy metal pollution in aquatic fauna, particularly in capturing economically important fisheries, should be regularly monitored to assess the safety of consumption since significant heavy metal bioaccumulation in G. giuris was positively detected above the permissible limits.