Assessment of Stock Status, Metal Contents with Human Health Risk of Gudusia chapra from Oxbow lake, Bangladesh

The current study is focused on a comprehensive stock assessment of Gudusia chapra to assess the stock status along with feeding habits, essential minerals content and risk to human health from exposure to heavy metals. A total of 723 specimens from the Bukvora Baor, Bangladesh were used to estimate the total body length (TL) and body weight (W) which ranged from 5.5 to 14.5 cm and 1.62–26.45 g, respectively. The estimated asymptotic length (L_∞) of this species (15.38) was in comparison with average length at 10 cm from 723 specimens along with the rate of 0.70 yr⁻¹ for approaching to asymptotic length. The obtained growth performance index (φ) 2.2 indicates that this species is not economically feasible to bring under aquaculture. At an average annual water surface temperature of 28 °C, natural mortality, 1.71yr⁻¹ indicating good ecological suitability of Bukvora oxbow lake (Baor). The estimated current exploitation ratio (0.24) reflected under-exploitation status with total instantaneous mortality (2.25 years⁻¹) and fishing mortality (0.55 years⁻¹). The recruitment pattern of this species was observed across the year, with main peak occurring during the period of April to May. The estimated total steady state biomass (3.91 metric ton) and MSY (4.40 metric ton) based on length-structured virtual population analysis (VPA) length-structured virtual population analysis (VPA) through FiSAT II schedule indicating the sustainable production of this species. The obtained values of proximate compositions (% of protein, fat, Moisture, ash) showed no significant variations during different seasons throughout the year. The monthly measurements of GaSI showed significant alterations (p < 0.05). The value of essential minerals (Na and Ca) was recorded 9.18 mg and 245.19 mg per 100 g of fish flesh, respectively. Target hazard quotient and Cancer risk for all detected heavy metals were far below the recommended levels by United States Environmental Protection Agency. Therefore, the target fish species from oxbow lake is safe and have no human health risk. Therefore, the outcomes of this research would be very worthwhile in carrying out specific management for G. chapra in Baor ecosystems.