Abstract: Heavy metalsare pervasive contaminants in freshwater ecosystems, posing significant threats to aquatic environment.The most common heavy metals are arsenic, chromium, aluminium and mercury, which affect human health and are considered systemic toxicants.  This study aims to highlight the issue of pollution in the fresh water aquatic ecosystems and fish healththrough comprehensive assessment and analysis. Key objectives include evaluating the concentrations of heavy metals in water bodies and sediments, assessing bioaccumulation levels in fish tissues, and elucidating physiological and biochemical responses in exposed fish. Results indicate that heavy metal toxicity negatively affects the growth, reproduction and physiology of fish, causing threat to the sustainable development of the fisheries and  aquaculture sector.

Keywords: heavy metals, fish health, fresh water fish, metal toxicity.