Health risk assessment by consumption of commercial biota contaminated with heavy metals in Tampamachoco coastal lagoon, Gulf of Mexico

Metal pollution is a significant environmental and health problem in aquatic ecosystems worldwide, particularly in coastal systems impacted by emissions from thermoelectric plants, as is the case of the Tampamachoco lagoon. To evaluate the seasonal contamination levels of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Cu in species of commercial interest in the Tampamachoco lagoon and estimate the health risk associated with their consumption, a total of 180 fish, 90 oysters (Crassostrea virginica), 27 crabs (Callinectes sapidus), and 24 shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) were sampled. Metal concentrations in the species analyzed were Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd. According to the Target Hazard Quotient and the health risk index, consumption of the marine species examined should be considered safe for human health, as both values are <1. However, Carcinogenic risk values for Pb and Cr indicated that consumers may be at risk of cancer (10(-3)), due to exposure from the thermoelectric emissions.