Investigation of the Concentration of Metals in Two Economically Important Fish Species from the Caspian Sea and Assessment of Potential Risk to Human Health

Abstract

Our specific objectives were to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cadmium, Lead, Arsenic, Mercury, Zinc, copper, Manganese and Cobalt) in the liver, gill, kidney and muscles of two economically important fish species, namely, Cyprinus carpio and Chelon aurata, from the Caspian Sea, as well as to examine the potential human health risks to fish consumers. Health risks associated with these heavy metals were assessed based on the target hazard quotients (THQs), Hazard index (HI) and Estimation of Daily Intake (EDI). The distribution pattern of Hg, As, Cd, Pb, Mn, Co, Cu and Zn in both fish species follows the order liver > gill > kidney > muscle. THQ and HI values determined for consumption of the two fish species were < 1 and EDI and EWI values were found to be below the PTDI and PTWI reference values. These findings indicated that the intake of metals via consumption of the muscles of both fish species does not represent an appreciable hazard to humans.