Heavy metal bioaccumulation in fish: ımplications for human health risk assessment in ten commercial fish species from Konya, Türkiye

In this study, the concentrations of 9 elements (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se and Zn) in the muscle tissue of 10 different fish species consisting of sea and freshwater fish of certain origin in local markets and the fish market in Konya were determined. According to the findings of the study, the highest mean concentrations of Al, Fe and Cr were found in Flathead grey mullet, As and Se in Gilthead seabream, Mn and Zn in European pilchard, Cd and Ni in Mediterranean horse mackerel. The estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and cancer risk (CR) risk values for inorganic arsenic were determined using human health risk assessment methods based on metal levels in muscle tissue of fish. THQ and HI results revealed that non-carcinogenic health effects from the intake of individual or combined metals in fish species are not expected for consumers. This situation indicates that there are no non-cancer health risks. However, consumption of red mullet and European anchovy fish exposes individuals to inorganic arsenic, increasing the risk of cancer as their CR values were found not to be in acceptable ranges. The results were compared with limit values specified in national and international quality criteria. Only the average Cd concentrations in Carp, European barracuda and Mediterranean horse mackerel were found above the limit values of MHPRC (MHPRC (2013) National food safety standard, maximum levels of contaminants in foods), TFC (2011) and EC (Commission regulation no. 1881/2006 of 19 December 2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs. Official Journal of European Union, 20.12.2006).