Biomonitoring of trace elements in muscle and liver tissue of freshwater fish

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of a coal combustion power plant in the northern part of Vietnam with regard to elemental pollution on the surrounding environment. Freshwater fishes (Clarias fucus) were sampled both at a site exposed to the emissions of the power plant and at a reference site seemingly free from industrial activities. The elemental concentrations in muscle and liver tissue were analyzed using total-reflection X-ray fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy. A comparison of muscle tissue with International Standards (Food and Agricultural Organization) showed that the fishes from both sites did not constitute any health risk for human consumers with regard to the elements Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Pb and Cr. Generally, concentration differences between sites were found to be small in the edible tissue. Compared to the muscle tissue, concentrations of metals were elevated in the liver. The elemental concentrations of P, S, K, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn and Pb were significantly higher in the hepatic tissue from the exposed site, suggesting—together with measurements of airborne pollutants—emissions from the power plant as a probable source of these elements.