Short Communication Indian J. Anim. Hlth. (2019), 58(1) : 131-134 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36062/ijah.58.1.2019.131-134 ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN INDIAN MAJOR CARPS P. SINGH * , G. C. RANA AND B. N. PAUL 1 Vidyasagar University, AMT Department Purba Midnapore-721 102 West Bengal, India The present study determined the levels of arsenic and copper in muscle tissues of Indian Major Carp (Labeo rohita, Catla catla and Cirrhinus mrigala) of 500-1500 g of weight ranges. The fish samples were collected from Rahara fish farm of ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, North 24- parganas and Mudialy Fishermen Co Operative Society fish farm, South 24 Parganas and estimated the health risk posed by fish ingestion. Heavy metals concentrations in fish were analyzed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Arsenic content was found to be 0.17±0.02, 0.87±0.03 and 0.19±0.05 (ppb) respectively in rohu, catla and mrigal which was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Catla catla. In the present work, the concentration of copper in the muscles of rohu, catla and mrigal was found to be 0.64±0.13, 0.69±0.22 and 0.25±0.01 (ppm) respectively. Copper content did not differ significantly among rohu, catla and mrigal. Levels of heavy metals (arsenic and copper) were below the permissible limits of human health. Regular monitoring of heavy metals in fish tissue is required to check its contamination level in fish tissues reared in wastewater. Thus, the present study shows that the consumption of fish reared in wastewater is safe for human so far heavy metals like arsenic and copper are concerned. Key words: Arsenic, Copper, Fish muscle, Indian major carp, Tolerable intake * Corresponding Author 1 Regional Research Centre of ICAR-CIFA, P.O.- Rahara, Kolkata-700 118, India Metals are unrelenting contaminants and they aggregate in soil, water, sediment and mostly, in trophic chains. Heavy metals are naturally occurring trace components of the aquatic habitats that have been increased tremendously due to domestic, industrial, mining and agricultural activities (Karbassi et al., 2006). Fish can be considered as one of the most significant bio-monitors in freshwater systems (Begum et al., 2005). For fish, the gills, skin and digestive tract are the most likely sites of uptake of water borne chemicals (Barlas, 1997). Fishes are major part of the human diet due to high protein and sufficient polyunsaturated fatty acids which are known to support good health, therefore, various studies have been taken worldwide on the contamination of different fish species by heavy metals (Rauf et al., 2009). Hence, it is important to monitor all potential contaminants of the ecosystem and its effect on food web to