Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences1028-88801812-5735Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/pjbs.2016.115.121UllahSana HassanSaid DhamaKuldeep 32016193The current study was designed to assess heavy metals concentration in muscle tissues of two Chinese carps, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), available to consumers in markets at district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Fish specimens were collected from three main markets in the study area namely; Chakdara, Timergara and Khall. Heavy metals including; manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and cobalt (Co) were investigated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Cobalt was not detected in any of the fish specimens while the rest of the metals were lying within the permissible limits suggested by FAO/WHO and ITS for food/fish consumption. The results showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) difference between both species with respect to the concentration of the accumulated heavy metals. In common carp, the heavy metal accumulation was in order of Fe>Mn>Zn>Pb>Cu>Cd, while in silver carp the order was Fe>Mn>Zn>Pb>Cd>Cu. Higher concentration of Pb, Mn, Zn, Cu and Cd was recorded in muscle of common carp while the concentration of Fe was higher in silver carp, indicating higher potential of accumulation of heavy metals in common carp. Statistically significant (p<0.05) correlation was observed between Pb and Zn in common carp while between Cu and Cd in silver carp. The concentration of heavy metals was in the suggested permissible limits and poses no threat if consumed. In order to maintain the heavy metals level within permissible limits, proper care should be taken along with regular assessment.]]>Ahmad, H., A.M. Yousafzai, M. Siraj, R. Ahmad and I. Ahmad et al.,20152015Aktan, N. and S. Tekin-Ozan,2012Scomber japonicus) compared with physico-chemical parameters, seasons and size of the fish.]]>22605613Al-Ghanim, K.A., M. Abdelatty, L. Abdelfattah and S. Mahboob,20154710311036Amundsen, P.A., F.J. Staldvik, A.A. Lukin, N.A. Kashulin, O.A. Popova and Y.S. Reshetnikov,1997201211224Berny, P.J., L.M. Cote and W.B. Buck,1994678497Canli, M. and G. Atli,2003121129136Carvalho, M.L., R.A. Pereira and J. Brito,2002Delphinus delphis from west atlantic ocean by x-ray spectrometry.]]>292247254Carvalho, M.L., S. Santiago and M.L. Nunes,2005382426432Demirak, A., F. Yilmaz, A.L. Tuna and N. Ozdemir,2006Leuciscus cephalus from a stream in Southwestern Turkey.]]>6314511458Demirezen, D. and K. Uruc,200674255260Dural, M., M.Z.L. Goksu and A.A. Ozak,2007102415421FAO.,1983pp: 5-100pp: 5-100FAO. and WHO.,19891989Gholizadeh, A., M. Ardalan, M.M. Tehrani, H.M. Hosseini and N. Karimian,20096182190Iqbal, J. and M.H. Shah,2014Cyprinus carpio from rawal lake, Pakistan.]]>18620252037ITS.,20002000Jabeen, G., M. Javed and H. Azmat,201232107111Kargin, F. and C. Erdem,1991Cyprinus carpio.]]>15305314Khairy, H.M.,2009Nannochloropsis oculata (Eustigmatophyceae, Heterokonta).]]>6378384Korai, A.L., G.A. Sahoto, T.G. Kazi and K.H. Lashari,2008Catla catla (Hamilton) from Keenjhar Lake.]]>91119Krejpcio, Z. and E. Trojanowska,2000in vitro.]]>334348Mahmoud, M.A.M. and H.S. Abdel-Mohsein,201535870Malik, R.N., M.Z. Hashmi and Y. Huma,20142111881196Nordberg, G., T. Jin, A. Bernard, S. Fierens and J.P. Buchet et al.,200231478481Saha, N. and M. Zaman,201318538673878Singh, A.K., S.C. Srivastava, P. Verma, A. Ansari and A. Verma,201418638233836Tabinda, A.B., S. Bashir, A. Yasar and M. Hussain,2013217684Ullah, S.,2015Labeo rohita (Ham.): Biochemical aspects.]]>2015Ullah, S. and T. Ahmad,201533123135Ullah, S., Z. Hasan and A. Zuberi,2016986476Ullah, S., M.W. Javed, M. Shafique and S.F. Khan,201447163174Ullah, S. and G. Nabi,2015316Ullah, S. and M.J. Zorriehzahra,201534057Yilmaz, A.B., 2003Mugil cephalus and Trachurus mediterraneus from Iskenderun Bay, Turkey.]]>92277281Yousafzai, A.M., D.P. Chivers, A.R. Khan, I. Ahmad and M. Siraj,2010Wallago attu and Labeo dyocheilus with regard to their feeding habits in natural ecosystem.]]>42537544Yousafzai, A.M., N. Gulfam and A. Khan,201412330Yousafzai, A.M., A. Khan and A. Shakoori,2009413541Yousafzai, A.M. and A.R. Shakoori,200638341347Yousafzai, A.M., M. Siraj, H. Ahmad and D.P. Chivers,201244489494