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In this study, the pattern of metals concentration in water, sediment, plants, and three edible fish species (Channa striata, Labeo rohita, and Catla catla) of different trophic levels, captured from Jajmau (Kanpur), an important fishery area of river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, India was examined. The heavy metals, Ni, Pb, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Co, were estimated in the liver, kidney, muscles, and gill tissues of abovesaid species of fish. The highest metal concentration was reported in the bottom feeder fish as compared with the column and surface feeders. The result obtained after analysis of water sample reflects the order of occurrence of heavy metals as Fe > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd > Zn > Cu > Co. Sediments analysis indicates high concentration of Fe and Cr, making the entire environment from top to bottom, stressful. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of the three species suggest a potential risk to the health of consumers, the humans. Thus, it is inevitable that the river Ganga should be closely monitored to safeguard human health. Graphical Abstract.