DefinePK

Abstract

The present study aimed to: (1) investigate the levels of four potentially toxic elements (PTEs) copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)—in water, sediments, and eleven commonly consumed fish species collected from various localities along the River Panjkora in District Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; (2) compare the Metal Pollution Index (MPI) across sampling sites; and (3) assess potential health risks to humans consuming these fish. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) was employed to determine PTE concentrations in all samples. While PTE levels in both sediments and water were within safe limits, a slight increase in concentration was observed downstream. Among the fish species studied, Garra gotyla showed the highest accumulation of metals. Overall, the concentrations of PTEs in River Panjkora remain below international permissible standards. However, ongoing anthropogenic activities may pose future risks of pollution and bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems.