Carcinogenic risk to public health when using pond fish products contaminated with ecotoxicants

Introduction. Numerous publications indicate the presence in reservoirs of a significant amount of chemical pollutants that can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems, including in bottom sediments. The aim is to study the carcinogenic risk to public health associated with the consumption of local pond fish farming products contaminated with heavy metals and pesticides. Materials and methods. Fish samples were taken from a pond near the city limits (p. Kleshchevka, Saratov region) and ponds of agro-industrial farms (Ivanteevsky district, Saratov region), where pond carp farming was carried out. Results. It was found that the content of heavy metals, such as lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in the liver and gonads of carp, is higher than the maximum permissible level in ponds located in the city, near the location of highways. The level of the greatest individual carcinogenic risk (PCR) was due to the effects of TM: cadmium (Cd) (CR = 6.5 х 10-4 - 1,3 х 10-3) and Pb (CR = 7.52 х 10-5), as well as a toxic chemical - DDT (CR = 6.46 х 10-5). The conditionality of the individual carcinogenic risk of contamination of fish food Pb, Cd and DDT was determined. Conclusions. In order for the population to safely consume fish grown near highways of the city limits, which are sources of emissions of heavy metals, as well as in the presence of DDT in the bottom sediments of ponds, the sanitary service should strengthen control over the determination of the content of these pollutants. If there is a stable excess of heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides in carp, it is recommended to remove internal organs (liver and gonads) from fish products.