BIOACCUMULATION AND TOXICOLOGICAL IMPLICATION OF HEAVY METALS IN FISH, AND VEGETABLES IRRIGATED WITH AKAKI RIVER, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA rnMelaku Gizaw Serte rnAddis Ababa University, 2018 rnWastewater irrigation for vegetable production is a highly prevalent practice in Addis Ababa, which contributes 60% of the cityâ€™s vegetable consumption. A cross-sectional study design was used to quantify trace metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, Fe, Mn and Zn) on Akaki River (n=26), irrigated soil (n=25), and total of 46 vegetables (Ethiopian Kale, Lettuce, and Swiss chard). Bioaccumulation of Cr, Cd, and Pb in feral fresh water fish species (Clarias gariepinus) of Aba-Samuel and Lake Koka (total n=36) were investigated by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (novAA400P, Analytikjena). River water quality index (WQI) was calculated in terms of nutrient load. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) and target hazard quotients (THQs) of metals were used for assessment of health risk farmers facing through ingestion and inhalation pathways to selected heavy metals. Values of Nitrite, Phosphate, BOD and COD have surpassed the Canadian surface water standards. A pollution index of 152 was recorded which puts the river third of the six rivers in major cities of Africa. Mean concentrations of Pb, Cd and Cr in irrigation water, soils and vegetables have surpassed maximum permissible limits. Amount of Cr and Pb in the examined fish species were above the (MPL) and accumulation of the metals showed marked differences between fish tissues (pCr>Cd in muscles, Cr>Pb>Cd in livers and Cr>Pb>Cd in intestine. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) values confirmed there would be no potential health risk to Akaki farmers due to intake of individual metal. Furthermore, both male and female farmers have exhibited low cancer risk through combined exposure pathways.