Urban recreational fisheries: Implications for public health in metro-Phoenix

摘要: Abstract Lakes and ponds across metro-Phoenix primarily provide recreational opportunities for fishing, as swimming other uses are generally not permitted. Given these designated uses, many of the lakes monitored nutrients signs eutrophication, but necessarily heavy metals or organic pollutants that can be transferred over time to recreationally-caught fish. This may a concern considering practice Phoenix residents who catch consume fish from urban waterways. In this pilot study, samples commonly stocked species (e.g. trout, bluegill, bass catfish) resident (sunfish) were collected through standard fishing practices analyzed both metal contaminants. Results showed varying concentrations pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, well several potentially toxic metals. These findings have long-term public health consequences, approximately 60% anglers reported eating they catch. study highlight need regular water monitoring, improved regulations protect surface quality, creation comprehensive standardized protocol consumption advisories.