Heavy metal content in peruvian fish: a systemic review

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in Peruvian aquatic ecosystems from mining, industrial and urban activities threatens wildlife and human health. Fish can bioaccumulate these contaminants, making them unsafe for consumption. Studies on the presence of heavy metals in fish in Peru were investigated by conducting an exhaustive search in databases such as Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Dialnet, Elsevier, SciELO and Google Scholar to identify publications between 2018 and 2025. 120 articles and 47 theses were found, of which 23 met the inclusion criteria: studies reporting heavy metal levels in different fish organs. Studies that did not provide quantitative data or did not specify the fish species were excluded. The selection process followed the PRISMA method, eliminating duplicates and reviewing titles and abstracts to assess relevance. The 23 selected studies were analysed in detail and covered different regions of Peru: Coast, Sierra and Jungle, and included species such as rainbow trout, lorna, mullet and boquichico. Concentrations of heavy metals varied significantly between species and geographical locations. In the Peruvian Amazon, concentrations of methylmercury, cadmium, lead, copper, mercury and arsenic were found in various fish. In the Sierra, elevated levels of lead and cadmium were found in rainbow trout, especially in rivers contaminated by anthropogenic activities. On the coast, species such as bonito and mackerel showed high levels of mercury, exceeding the limits set by international organisations. These results highlight the importance of monitoring and regulating heavy metal levels in fish to protect public health and aquatic biodiversity.