Abstract

• Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish causes serious threats to human when they are consumed. Thus, detection of toxic metals concentration levels in aquatic component is important. In this study, bioaccumulation of five metals (Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb, As) in meat, gills and liver of Nine Tilapia fish species (Oreochromis niloticus), and their environs (water and sediments) of Kyet Mauk Taung Dam, Mandalay Region were analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (FAAS) (Perkin Elmer AAanalyst 800 and Winlab-32 software) in Universities’ Research Centre (URC). The study was conducted from July 2019 to May 2020. The levels of heavy metal concentration varied as it depended on various tissues of studied fish species. The highest concentrations of Fe and Cd were found in the liver and those of Zn, As and Pb in the gill. The lowest concentrations of all metals were found in meat. According to the results of Transfer Factors, all tested metals accumulated in different tissues of studied fish species came from water and sediment except Fe which came only from sediment. The values observed for all tested metals concentrations in different tissues of studied fish species and their environs except water were lower than the maximum permissible limits. The concentrations of the heavy metals in different tissues from studied fish species did not exceed the dangerous limits given by WHO/FAO and there was no risk for public by eating this species.