Microcystin-LR contamination in Nile tilapia (<em>Oreochromis niloticus</em>) in some water bodies in Sri Lanka

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a cyanotoxin produced by certain cyanobacteria species. It toxic to humans and animals. Several studies have demonstrated that cyanotoxins accumulate throughout the food chain, eventually reaching high levels in freshwater fish. The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) most popular fish Sri Lanka Asian countries. current study sought determine MC-LR concentration collected from thirteen reservoirs; Nallachchiya, Galkulama, Anakattiya, Padaviya, Nachchaduwa Kalawewa Anuradhapura District, Parakrama Samudraya, Halmilla, Kaudulla Ambagaswewa Polonnaruwa Muwapatigewela Ampara Ulhitiya Rathkinda Badulla District. water samples were collected, transported, analyzed following standard procedures, was determined using BEACON ELISA kit. To Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) fish, of skin, flesh, head according World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. A comparison made between different reservoirs WHO TDI standards (0.04 μgkg-1day-1). From highest mean concentrations found skin (3004.25 ± 30 μg kg-1), (836.25±18 kg-1) flesh (41.67±8 kg-1). average daily intake all exceeded WHO's kg-1 day-1). According findings this study, consumption heads increases risk accumulation human body significant amount.