| Resumo: | The potential hazards of metals due to pollution in freshwater have become of great concern to both aquatic life and consumers of fishery products. This study aimed to assess the level of metals accumulation and potential risk associated to metals in Pseudotolithus senegalensis (Cassava croaker) in Usuma dam, Abuja, Nigeria. Twenty (20) fish samples were randomly selected and the heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) measured with Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Non-carcinogenic (hazard quotient HQ and hazard index HI) and carcinogenic (cancer risk CR) effects of these metals on humans were assessed. The study demonstrated low levels of the metals (below WHO guideline) in this sequence Cd<Cu<Zn<Pb. The estimated daily ingestions values were 0.144, 0.306, 0.047, and 0.499 mg/kg/daily/person for Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd respectively while the recorded values were within recommended limits. The HI showed collective adverse health risk with Pb contributing 70.46% and the carcinogenic risk (CR) of 5.52 was higher than the safe limit (1 × 10−4) indicating the potential for carcinogenic risk. In this regard, it is necessary for the National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and policymakers to ensure the environmental safety of the Usuma dam to sustained and mitigate unwholesome health impacts on the population.
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