PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

Ex-mining lakes are known to have elevated metal levels from past mining activities, thus, consuming fish originating from these lakes may pose potential health risks. The ability of fish to accumulate metals from the surrounding environment raised public concern about the health risks posed when consuming fish from former mining lakes. An investigation was carried out to quantify the concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in the water and organs (gills and muscle) of twenty Barbonymus sp. found in a former mining lake. Metal levels were measured using ICP-MS, and the results obtained were compared with their respective standards. A comparable Fe>Zn>Pb pattern was observed in the metal concentrations of both samples. Although the concentration of Pb in the water samples surpassed the limit of 0.166 mg/L, the levels of Fe and Zn were within the range set by the National Lake Water Quality Standards for Malaysia (NLWQS). The concentrations of iron in the fish’s muscles and gills are beyond the established thresholds set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The concentration of Zn in the fish’s gills exceeded the FAO standard limit, and the levels of Pb in both organs exceeded the acceptable limits set by all regulations, including the Malaysian Food Act 1983 (MFA). Notably, the incremental life cancer risk (ILCR) for lead (Pb) was determined to be within the threshold limit, and the hazard index (HI) of consuming Barbonymus sp. is less than 1, thus indicating a low potential health risk.