Dietary intake of heavy metals from seafood and human health risk implications in Tuticorin, Southeast coast of India

Toxic metals pollution in the marine environment can lead to seafood contamination, affecting people's health. The objective of the present study was to determine the level of heavy metal contamination in the most common seafood and the health risks associated with its consumption in Thirespuram, Tuticorin. Samples were collected directly from the fishermen at the landing sites of the study area between October and December 2022. The levels of metal accumulation in different seafood were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Mollusks had the highest average concentrations, followed by fish and crustaceans. In some seafood species, concentrations exceeded the level of "Food Safety Guidelines of WHO/FAO". Feeding habits and/or local pollution sources mainly contribute to the bioavailability and accumulation of heavy metals in seafood. However, the study finds no risk to human health as indicated by the metals' EDI values. The THQ level is <1 for individual heavy metals suggesting the absence of any potential health risks. The THQ value indicates that L. lambis from the study sites is unsafe for consumption. But the HI representing the combined impact indicates a health risk from consuming A. djedaba, P. sanguinolentus, L. lambis, and F. ficoides. Although consumption of other seafood at the current accumulation level is safe, long- term consumption over a lifetime (<68 years) could potentially lead to cancer risk. Individually, the metals do not pose any non-carcinogenic health hazard; but their combined effect is potentially hazardous to human health. This study recommends routine heavy metal monitoring of seafood obtained from this coast and defining regulatory standards by environmental health management agencies.