Health Risk Assessment of Selected Heavy Metals from the Consumption of Talang Queenfish (Scomberoides commersonnianus) in the Dashtyaari Region
Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Chabahar Maritime University, Chabahar, Iran
Abstract
Among various aquatic pollutants, heavy metals are of particular concern due to their non-biodegradable nature, potential for bioaccumulation in the food chain, and their acute and chronic adverse effects on human health. Given the increasing contamination of water resources and the importance of continuous monitoring, this study investigated the accumulation of selected heavy metals in the muscle tissue of Talang Queenfish (Scomberoides commersonnianus) and assessed the associated health risks from its consumption. Fish samples were collected from Dashtyaari coastal waters, specifically from the fish landing sites of Beris, Pasabandar, and Gowatr. The analyzed heavy metals included cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni). Samples were prepared using a single-step acid wet digestion method, and metal concentrations were measured. Human health risk assessment was performed using environmental protection indices recommended by the U.S. EPA. The results indicated that the highest heavy metal contamination occurred in fish from Beris, with a Metal Pollution Index (MPI) of 1.44. Significant differences in cadmium and lead concentrations were observed between regions (p<0.05), while copper and zinc levels did not show significant variation (p>0.05). The highest estimated daily and weekly intake values were related to copper and zinc, while the lowest were attributed to cadmium, chromium, and nickel. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values for all metals in all regions were below 1, indicating no potential non-carcinogenic health risk from consuming this species. Based on MPI values, Beris should be prioritized for pollution monitoring and management, while periodic monitoring is recommended for Pasabandar, and environmental quality in Gowatr should be preserved to maintain its favorable status.
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