Detection of Heavy Metals from Dry Fish and Evaluation of their Toxic Effects on the Swiss Albino Mice Model

Sea-dry fish is a popular protein-containing food in Bangladesh. During the processing of dry fish, it can become contaminated with heavy metals, which is a major health concern for humans. The present investigations were carried out to detect selected heavy metals (Nickel, Chromium, Cadmium, Arsenic, and Lead) in three sea dry fish (Churi, Tuna, and Surma), and to evaluate the toxic potential of the dry fish in Swiss albino mice. The concentrations of heavy metals in three commercially valuable dry fish samples were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) methods. The toxicity of dry fish was evaluated using a mouse model. The highest levels of Arsenic (As) and Lead (Pb) were detected with 3.07 and 3.33 ppm from dry fishes of Scomberomorus guttatus and Thunnus thynnus, respectively. The pests of dried fish were highly toxic to mice. Anorexia, depression, diarrhea, and deformities in the structure of the stomach, liver, lungs, and digestive tract were observed in the treated mice. The mice treated with surma fish showed the most toxic effects on mice. In conclusion, the present investigation may help to elucidate the quality of selected dry fish and their effects on humans.