Category Archives: Pollutant

Freshwater Science : Toxic elements in aquatic species

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Hossain et al. (2023) conducted a comprehensive investigation into the concentration, distribution, and human health risks of heavy metals in freshwater fish collected from the highly polluted Turag–Tongi–Balu river channel in Bangladesh. This river system, located in the industrial belt near Dhaka, is severely impacted by untreated industrial effluents, municipal waste, and urban runoff, making it a critical hotspot for aquatic contamination.

The study quantified key toxic elements—including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)—in commonly consumed fish species using standard analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results revealed that several heavy metals, particularly Pb and Cd, exceeded international safety thresholds (e.g., WHO/FAO limits), indicating substantial contamination of edible fish tissues.

To evaluate human health implications, the authors applied risk assessment models, including Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Hazard Index (HI). The findings demonstrated that:

  • THQ values for certain metals exceeded 1, suggesting non-carcinogenic health risks for regular fish consumers.
  • Hazard Index (HI) values indicated cumulative risk, especially for populations with high fish consumption rates.
  • Children were identified as more vulnerable due to lower body weight and higher intake ratios.

The study highlights that continuous consumption of contaminated fish from this river system may lead to serious health consequences, including neurological, renal, and carcinogenic effects associated with chronic heavy metal exposure.

Overall, this research underscores the urgent need for:

  • Strict regulation of industrial discharges,
  • Regular monitoring of aquatic ecosystems, and
  • Public awareness regarding food safety risks.

The authors conclude that without effective intervention, the Turag–Tongi–Balu river system will remain a significant source of toxic exposure, posing an immediate and long-term threat to public health.

Citation: Hossain, M.M., Jahan, I., Nahian, A. A., Zhu, D (2023) Immediate health risk: concentration of heavy metals in contaminated freshwater fishes from the river channel of Turag-Tongi-Balu. Environmental Toxicology. 2023;39(1):120‐134. https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.23959.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

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Scholarly article titled “Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in biota and remediation strategies: Toxicological and biochemical perspectives” by Hossain et al., (2025) published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances. The article discusses PFAS exposure, its toxicological impacts, and remediation strategies, with a focus on biochemical perspectives.

This comprehensive review by Hossain et al. (2025) examines the pervasive presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental biota and assesses their toxicological and biochemical impacts. The authors highlight the persistence, bioaccumulation, and widespread distribution of PFAS compounds, emphasizing their potential health risks to wildlife and human populations.

Key Points:

Environmental Distribution and Bioaccumulation: PFAS are detected in various ecosystems, accumulating in aquatic and terrestrial organisms, leading to biomagnification through food chains.

Toxicological Impacts: The review details adverse health effects, including endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, and carcinogenic potential, linked to PFAS exposure.

Biochemical Mechanisms: The authors explore biochemical pathways affected by PFAS, such as interference with lipid metabolism, oxidative stress induction, and disruption of cellular signaling.

Remediation Strategies: The article evaluates current and emerging remediation techniques, including advanced oxidation processes, activated carbon adsorption, bioremediation, and nanotechnology-based methods, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and effective solutions.

Future Perspectives: Emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and innovative remediation technologies, the authors advocate for further research into biochemical pathways to develop targeted detoxification approaches.

Citation :

Hossain M.M., Nawaz, MZ., Dar, MA., et al. (2025) Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in biota and remediation strategies: Toxicological and biochemical perspectives. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances 17, 100579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100579. 

Reported :

Hossain LAB, Center For Biology, Ecology and Environmental Science.