Assessment of toxic metal contamination, distribution and risk in the sediments from lagoons used for fish farming in the central region of Peru

Toxic metal contamination, distribution and risk were evaluated in the sediments of three lagoons used for fish farming in the central region of Peru. The distribution of toxic metals in the sediment was in the following descending order of Zn > V > Ni > Cu > Pb > As > Cr > Co > Cd > Sb. Contamination factor (Cf) and geoaccumulation index (I(geo)) values for Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, V and Zn indicated low contamination and for Cd moderate contamination. The pollution load index (PLI) ranged from 0.3856 to 0.5622; indicating no appreciable contamination and the modified degree of contamination (mCd) corroborated this result. The potential ecological risk (R(i)) in the Tranca Grande and Pomacocha lagoons revealed a low potential ecological risk and in Tipicocha a moderate potential ecological risk. HI values < 1 indicated that non-carcinogenic adverse effects were negligible. In adults, the Total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values for As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb were less than 1.00E–04, indicating no significant carcinogenic risk. In children, TCR values showed similar behavior with the exception of As. Therefore, considering that fish production for domestic consumption and export is carried out in these lagoons, it is important to continue monitoring toxic metals to protect the health of these ecosystems and human health.