Seasonal variation of trace elements and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) values of commercial marine fish from the black sea and human health risk assessment

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine changes in stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios, to determine the levels of metals (aluminum, copper, iron, manganese, lead, and zinc), and to assess the health risks associated with consumption of the most consumed pelagic and demersal fish species in Turkey. Trachurus mediterraneus, Mullus barbatus, and Merlangius merlangus were seasonally caught from the Eastern Black Sea in 2020. Concentrations of heavy metals in fish muscle tissues were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy whereas stable isotope analysis was performed using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer. The detected levels of metals studied in all fish species except lead were below the determined limits of national and international standards. In addition, the carcinogenic risk index was considered significant in all fish species. Considering the principal components analysis results, Cu and Pb may have originated from similar sources. No significant difference in metal content and stable isotope rates was observed between different species of fish. Also, target hazard quotient values were found below 1 in all species, which means that the consumption of the studied fish species does not pose a health risk.