Trace Metal Levels in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Cultured in Net Cages in a Reservoir and Evaluation of Human Health Risks from Consumption

Toxicological health risk analysis of hazardous trace elements accumulation in the edible fish species of the Black Sea in Türkiye using multivariate statistical and spatial assessment

In the current study, the levels of eleven hazardous trace elements (HTEs) were measured in five different fish species frequently consumed in eleven cities along the Black Sea coast of Türkiye. And also the maximum permissible limits (MPLs) specified by international standards are compared to 11 HTEs levels. In addition, human health risk levels from fish consumption were assessed using multiple approaches. The highest metal concentrations of Fe, Mn, Co, Cr, Ni, Cd and Hg were detected in the fish sampled from Samsun city. It was determined that Cu, Zn, Pb and As metal concentrations were the highest in fish sampled from Düzce city. In the demersal Mullus barbatus (MB), the highest quantities of As, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Hg, and Pb were discovered. The highest concentrations of Zn and Cd were found in Engraulis encrasicolus (EE), which is a topminnow fish. The highest concentrations of Cu were found in Sarda sarda (SS), which is a topminnow fish. For all HTEs, the metal hazard index (MPI) and target hazard quotients (THQ) from metal intake by ingesting fish species were less than 1, indicating no risk from consumption. All investigated fish species were acceptable (10^-4 to 10^-6) in terms of carcinogenic risks (CR) from exposure to inorganic arsenic (_iAs). Additionally, because the hazard index (HI) is less than 1, it has been determined that consuming certain fish species will not pose a risk to public health. The predicted daily intakes of HTEs in each fish species were far lower than their corresponding acceptable daily intakes, indicating that consuming fish would not put consumers at risk for health problems from daily intakes of HTEs. In addition, the multivariate statistical analysis justified that HTEs were from anthropogenic and lithogenic origin.

Element concentrations of cultured fish in the Black Sea: selenium-mercury balance and the risk assessments for consumer health

Fish are a powerful model for risk-benefit analyses to explore the impact of elements on human health among all accessible species. The sea bream (Sparus aurata), sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), and weights of > 1 kg large rainbow trout registered as "Turkish Salmon," (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are four economically important cultured species in the Black Sea In this research, it is aimed (1) to determine the value of the elements, (2) to determine total Hg and Se concentrations, Se/Hg molar ratios, and the HBVSe index, and (3) to calculate the consumer's possible health risk in the edible tissues of cultivated four economically important Black Sea fish species. Fish and diet samples from all species were obtained in 2020 from aquaculture locations in the Black Sea (Sinop, Samsun, and Trabzon cites of Turkey). At the end of the study, the elements in all edible tissues and all the parameters analyzed [Se/Hg, estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), maximum allowable consumption rate (CR_lim and CR_mm)] in cultured fish tissues were below permissible values. Additionally, when compared with the data of the World Health Organization and The National Academy of Sciences, it determined that consuming cultured fish in the Black Sea adequately meets the daily elemental requirement.

Levels of metals and elements in tissues of fish species in the Kızılırmak River (Turkey) and assessment of health risks and nutritional benefits

Although the Kızılırmak River, the longest river in Turkey, is home to many fish species, there are a few studies reporting metal levels in fish in the river. The contents of 17 metals and elements (MEs) in various tissues of three fish species and surface water from the river were investigated. Significant differences in the ME levels among tissues were recorded, and the highest levels of most MEs were recorded in the gills and liver. The results revealed that correlations between MEs in tissues and fish size were not clear and consistent. Among the MEs, P (6058-109489) and Zn (933-47556) had the highest bioconcentration factor values. The levels of As and Cd in the river water exceeded water quality criteria. Health risk assessment methods (Target Hazard Quotient, Estimated Daily Intake and Lifetime Carcinogenic Risk) indicated that consumption of the studied fish species is safe. It was estimated that a weekly consumption of 490 g of C. gibelio, or 350 g of C. carpio or 280 g of T. tinca would not cause any health risks. Furthermore, it was found that fish species would provide significant benefits in terms of intake of nutrients such as P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn. These findings revealed that nutritional benefits from consumption of fish species outweigh the health risks posed by metals in fish.

Estimation of Target Hazard Quotients and Potential Health Risks for Toxic Metals and Other Trace Elements by Consumption of Female Fish Gonads and Testicles

The aim of this study was to assess the risk to consumers associated with the intake of toxic metals and other trace elements in diets that include the female gonads, testicles, and muscles of four popular freshwater fish species in Poland—common bream (Abramis brama L.), European perch (Perca fluviatilis L.), common roach (Rutilus rutilus L.), and northern pike (Esox Lucius L.). The following methods were used to determine the elements: GF-AAS (Pb, Cd); CV-AAS (Hg); ICP-AES (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Li, Cr, Al). The concentration of toxic elements (Hg, Cd, Pb) in the female gonads and testicles ranged from 0.004 ± 0.006 mg/kg (Cd) to 0.028 ± 0.018 mg/kg (Pb). Of the other elements, the lowest content was noted for Cr (0.122 ± 0.182 mg/kg) and the highest for Al (46.98 ± 31.89 mg/kg). The study confirmed that female gonads and testicles are a valuable source of essential trace elements (Zn, Fe). Considering the content of toxic elements, the raw material of female gonads and testicles posed no health risks (THQ < 1).

Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in the Fillet of Narrow-Barred Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson): a Global Systematic Review, Meta-analysis and Risk Assessment

The contamination of seafood like narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) fillets by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) has converted to worldwide health concerns. In this regard, the related citations regarding the concentration of PTEs in fillets of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel were collected through some of the international databases such as Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, and Scientific Information Database (SID) up to 10 March 2020. The concentration of PTEs in fillets of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel fish was meta-analyzed and the health risk (non-carcinogenic risk) was estimated by the total target hazard quotient (TTHQ). The meta-analysis of data indicated that the rank order of PTEs in fillet of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel was Fe (10,853.29 μg/kg-ww) > Zn (4007.00 μg/kg-ww) > Cu (1005.66 μg/kg-ww) > total Cr (544.14 μg/kg-ww) > Mn (515.93 μg/kg-ww) > Ni (409.90 μg/kg-ww) > Pb (180.99 μg/kg-ww) > As (93.11 μg/kg-ww) > methyl Hg (66.60 μg/kg-ww) > Cd (66.03 μg/kg-ww). The rank order of health risk assessment based on the country by the aid of TTHQ for adult consumers was Malaysia (0.22251) > Philippines (0.21912) > Egypt (0.08684) > Taiwan (0.07430) > Bahrain (0.04893) > Iran (0.03528) > China (0.00620) > Pakistan (0.00316) > Yemen (0.00157) > India (0.00073). In addition, the rank order of health risk assessment based on the country by the aid of TTHQ for child consumers was Malaysia (1.03838) > Philippines (1.02257) > Egypt (0.40523) > Taiwan (0.34674) > Bahrain (0.22832) > Iran (0.16466) > China (0.02892) > Pakistan (0.01474) > Yemen (0.00731) > India (0.00340). Therefore, the children in Malaysia and the Philippines were at considerable non-carcinogenic risk. Hence, approaching the recommended control plans in order to decrease the non-carcinogenic risk associated with the ingestion of PTEs via the consumption of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel fish fillets is crucial.

Concentration of Potentially Harmful Elements (PHEs) in Trout Fillet (Rainbow and Brown) Fish: a Global Systematic Review and Meta-analysis and Health Risk Assessment

In this work, articles regarding the concentration on potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in fillet trout (rainbow and brown) fishes were retrieved from Cochrane, Scopus, and PubMed databases between 1 January 1983 and 30 April 2020. The pooled concentration of PHEs in fillet trout fishes was meta-analyzed using a random-effect model (REM) and following the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks was calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method. The meta-analysis of 42 articles (43 data report) revealed that a sort of PHEs in fillet trout was 19,996.64 μg/kg ww for Fe; 1834.75 μg/kg ww for Co; 772.21 μg/kg ww for Cu; 335.78 μg/kg ww for Ni; 290.46 μg/kg ww for Se; 226.20for Cr; 178.11 μg/kg ww for Pb; 77.40 μg/kg ww for Hg; 19.40 μg/kg ww for Cd; and 3.66 μg/kg ww for inorganic As. The non-carcinogenic risk assessment indicated that the lowest and highest hazard index (HI) in the adults was Pakistan (0.0012) and Turkey (0.2388), respectively, and in children was Pakistan (0.0057) and Turkey (1.114), respectively. The non-carcinogenic risk was acceptable for adult consumers in all countries (HI > 1 value) but non-carcinogenic risk for children was not acceptable in Turkey. The sort of countries based on carcinogenic risk in the adults due to inorganic As was China (1.44E-06) > Iran (9.14E-08) > Turkey (4.45E-08) > Portugal (9.04E-10). The carcinogenic risk was threshold for adult consumers in China (CR < 10^-6). Consumption of fillet trout (rainbow and brown) content of PHEs in many countries cannot endanger the health of consumers.

Species-specific bioaccumulation of trace metals among fish species from Xincun Lagoon, South China Sea

Xincun Lagoon is an important fishing area in northern Hainan Island, China. It has long been exposed to pollutants from local sewage, breeding cages and fishing boats, resulting in serious pollution threats to the survival of fish. In this study, we examined the concentrations of seven trace metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, As and Cr) in sixteen economic fish species collected from Xincun Lagoon and their exposed environment (water and sediment). The concentrations of Pb and Zn in the water column were higher than the safety threshold stipulated by Chinese legislation, while the contents of all examined metals in the sediment and fish species were lower than the legislative thresholds set by China and international organizations. The contents of trace metals in the fish species in high trophic levels or those that prefer to live in/on the sediment layer were significantly higher than those in other trophic levels and pelagic/subbenthic fish, these species had homogeneous anthropogenic pollution sources for Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and As. Our results show that the trace metal contents in fish were mainly affected by trophic level and habitat preference. The contribution of metal exposure from the sediment to metal accumulation in fish was lower than that in water, especially for the Cd and Hg in the sediment. These results provide valuable information for further understanding the species-specific patterns of metal accumulation in fish and the development of targeted conservation measures for the environment and fish consumers.

Contents of Metal(loid)s in a Traditional Ethiopian Flat Bread (Injera), Dietary Intake, and Health Risk Assessment in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The traditional Ethiopian flat bread, injera, is a regular component of daily diets in Ethiopia and Eritrea. This bread is also popular among urban refugees particularly Eritreans in Addis Ababa. The levels of metal(loid)s in 40 composite (120 sub-samples) injera samples, representing 4 types of market establishments in Addis Ababa, were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF). For ICP-MS analysis, the accuracy of the method was evaluated by the analysis of a certified reference material and recovery experiments. It was found that the correlations between the mean levels of Al and Fe and between Al and Mn in injera were highly significant (p < 0.001). It was also found that 1.5 fresh injeras would cover 48-75% of recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for Mg, 17-21% of RDA for K, 19-23% of RDA for Ca, and 60-72% of RDA for P for an adult group aged between 19 and 50. Daily intakes of Al, Fe, and Mn were found to be above the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI)/maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) values. The mean target hazard quotient (THQ) values for Fe and Mn were greater than 1. The total THQ values varied from 6.52 to 8.53 among market establishments. Estimating carcinogenic risk due to exposure to As, Cr, and Pb indicated that perennial injera consumers might remain at cancer risk. This would further escalate if other staple food items and spices are considered. Hence, there is a need for home-based strategies to reduce extrinsic soil-Al-Fe-Mn in injera/tef batter.

Heavy metals risk assessment in fish species (Johnius Belangerii (C) and Cynoglossus Arel) in Musa Estuary, Persian Gulf

In this study the possible health effects of consumption of benthopelagic (Johnius Belangerii (C); JB) and demersal (Cynoglossus Arel; CA) fishes were evaluated. These fish species living in the Musa estuary (the biggest estuary in the south of Iran and in the northern coastline of Persian Gulf) are likely to be polluted with Hg, V, Ni and Tl. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to estimate fish intakes in the residents of Mahshahr city. Also, heavy metal concentrations were determined in fishes and compared with the maximum permissible levels (MPLs). The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) showed high bioaccumulation ability for Hg and Tl in both fish spices. The ratio of TDI/EDI showed the importance of the health hazard by both fish consumption. Also, Hg and Tl in fishes had a higher calculated target hazard quotient (THQ) than the limits. Regarding with the high possibility of serious health concerns associated with Hg and Tl contamination in the Musa estuary, it is suggested to do appropriate and urgent actions by the governors.

Trace metal concentrations in commercial fish, crabs, and bivalves from three lagoons in the South China Sea and implications for human health

Seafood is increasingly used worldwide due to its nutritional value. It is rich in essential minerals, liposoluble vitamins, and high-quality proteins. However, many seafood species tend to accumulate metals, making them a threat to human health. We chose Xincun Lagoon and Li-an Lagoon, which have been seriously polluted by local activities, and the relatively clean Tufu Bay as the research areas to investigate whether trace metals in economic seafood species in these areas threaten the food safety of consumers. The results show that the mean concentrations (mg kg^-1 ww) of trace metals were Cu 0.22 ± 0.18, Pb 0.040 ± 0.028, Zn 5.25 ± 1.60, Cd 0.009 ± 0.004, Hg 0.0072 ± 0.0031, As 0.21 ± 0.12, and Cr 0.084 ± 0.048 in fish samples (Trachinotus ovatus); Cu 4.00 ± 0.96, Pb 0.075 ± 0.030, Zn 19.10 ± 2.64, Cd 0.050 ± 0.024, Hg 0.0131 ± 0.0035, As 0.91 ± 0.27, and Cr 0.216 ± 0.095 in crab samples (Charybdis natator); and Cu 5.37 ± 1.39, Pb 0.095 ± 0.023, Zn 21.38 ± 3.59, Cd 0.096 ± 0.026, Hg 0.0208 ± 0.0052, As 1.65 ± 0.59, and Cr 0.406 ± 0.117 in bivalve samples (Ruditapes philippinarum), respectively, with species specific (fish < crab < bivalve) and significant seasonal and spatial variation (p < 0.05). However, health risk assessment (EDI, THQ, TTHQ, CR) indicated that the consumption of the analyzed seafood from the study areas is safe for local consumers. But there is a potential risk for fishermen and those who prefer seafood.

Macroelements and toxic trace elements in muscle and liver of fish species from the largest three reservoirs in Turkey and human risk assessment based on the worst-case scenarios

Macroelement (Na, K, Ca, Mg and P) and toxic trace element (As, Cd and Pb) contents were investigated in muscle and liver of the two fish species (common carp and trout barb) from the largest three reservoirs (Atatürk, Keban and Karakaya) in Turkey. Also, human health risks for consumers using the worst-case scenarios were assessed. Potassium was the most abundant macroelement in muscle of both fish species in all reservoirs, whereas phosphorus was the most abundant in liver. Toxic trace element contents in the liver of the two fish species from the three reservoirs were higher than those in muscle. The mean levels of As and Pb in muscle and liver of fish species from the Karakaya Reservoir were higher than those from the other two reservoirs. Three-way ANOVA showed that the interaction between fish species, reservoir and fish tissue was significant for only Cd (p < 0.01). The maximum levels of As, Cd and Pb in muscle and liver of fish species from the three reservoirs were below permissible limits. The estimated daily intakes of toxic trace elements in fish species were much lower than their corresponding tolerable daily intakes. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and total THQ values in fish species were below 1, which indicated that non-carcinogenic health effects are not expected. The carcinogenic risk values for inorganic arsenic were within acceptable range. The results revealed that toxic trace elements in common carp and trout barb from the Atatürk, Keban and Karakaya reservoirs do not pose a significant health risk to consumers.

Evaluation of health risks from exposure to arsenic and heavy metals through consumption of ten fish species

In this study, the levels of 11 heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) were determined in ten different fish species (wild, farmed, freshwater, and marine) frequently consumed in Turkey and compared with the maximum permissible limits (MPLs) established by international standards. Also, human health risks for the consumers were assessed. Among 11 HMs, only Al and Cr levels did not show significant differences among fish species. The highest concentrations of As were found in red mullet, which is a demersal fish. The average concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb in all fish species were below the MPLs, whereas those of Zn in European anchovy and Mediterranean horse mackerel, and that of inorganic As in red mullet exceeded the MPLs. The highest and lowest toxic metal contents (Al, As, Cd, and Pb) were recorded in red mullet and farmed rainbow trout, respectively. The estimated daily intakes of HMs in each fish species were very lower than their corresponding tolerable daily intakes, suggesting the daily intake of HMs through fish consumption would not pose health risks for the consumers. The target hazard quotient for individual HMs and hazard index for combined HMs in fish species were below 1, which indicated that non-carcinogenic health effects are not expected. The carcinogenic risk results revealed that there was a carcinogenic risk from exposure to inorganic As via the consumption of red mullet. Among all investigated fish species, rainbow trout and common carp were safer in terms of both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from exposure to HMs.

The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in muscle tissue of farmed Iranian rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), feed, and water samples collected from the west of Iran: a risk assessment study

The pollution of the environment by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is one of the most important raised concerns. Therefore, the current investigation was devoted to measuring the concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), elemental mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in muscle tissue of farmed rainbow trout (n = 30) as well as their feed (n = 15) and water (n = 15) samples collected from farms (Hamadan Province, Iran) by the aid of an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Also, the associated risk for human and biomagnification factor (BMF) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) for PTEs in the fish muscle through feed and water were calculated. The mean concentration of Pb, Cd, Hg, Ni, Fe, Zn, and Cu in rainbow trout muscle was reported as 0.056 ± 0.040 μg g^-1 wet weight, <LOD, 0.014 ± 0.016 μg g^-1 wet weight, 0.140 ± 0.188 μg g^-1 wet weight, 1.051 ± 0.909 μg g^-1 wet weight, 0.635 ± 0.725 μg g^-1 wet weight, and 0.275 ± 0.325 μg g^-1 wet weight, respectively, while all of the samples were contaminated in the concentrations below the permitted limits by regulatory bodies such as EC, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and WHO/FAO. No significant difference between the amounts of PTEs among the collected feed and water samples was noted, while the corresponded values for PTE concentrations also were lower than the allowable limits. The values of BMF and BCF for all analyzed PTEs through water and feed were lower than 1000, demonstrating that the rainbow trout muscle could not be considered as a bioaccumulative tissue for PTEs. Additionally, no health risk due to ingestions of investigated PTEs via consumption of this rainbow trout fish was noted.

Biomonitoring of Trace Metals in the Keban Dam Reservoir (Turkey) Using Mussels (Unio elongatulus eucirrus) and Crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus)

Freshwater mussels and crayfish are commonly used as biomonitors of trace metals. In the present study, the concentrations of ten metals were determined in mussels (Unio elongatulus eucirrus) and crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) collected from the Keban Dam Reservoir in Turkey. The significant spatial differences in concentrations of studied metals except As in mussels were not found. However, Co, Cr, Cu, and Zn concentrations in mussels and As, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn concentrations in crayfish showed significant seasonal differences. As, Cd, and Mn levels in mussels were about nine times higher than those in crayfish. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, and inorganic As in crayfish and mussels were lower than maximum permissible levels. When compared with other biomonitoring studies using mussels and crayfish, high concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, and Ni in mussels and Cr and Ni in crayfish were observed due to lithogenic sources and anthropogenic activities in the basin. Bioconcentration factor values of Fe, Mn, Cd, and Zn in mussels and Zn, Cu, Fe, and Co in crayfish were > 1000, which indicates that both U. e. eucirrus and A. leptodactylus have potential to bioaccumulate these metals. Therefore, attention should be paid to mussels and crayfish from ecological and human health perspective, because they are potential vectors of metals to higher trophic levels.