Evaluation of Risk Characterization for Mercury, Cadmium, Lead and Arsenic Associated with Seafood Consumption in Turkey

Abstract

Edible 12 marine species (pelagic fish, demersal fish and shellfish) caught from the Marmara Sea, Black Sea and Aegean Sea. Samples were analysed for content in total mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As). In this study, the metal concentrations of samples and health risks in human were determined by the estimated weekly intake (EWI), hazard index (HI) and target hazard quotients (THQs). The levels of total mercury, cadmium and lead were present in bluefish, sardine, sole higher than maximum levels proposed by European legislation. EWI, HI and THQs through this fish and shellfish consumption were in tolerable limits for both female and male consumer. In contrast, total target hazard quotients (TTHQs) values of female consumers in the 15-24 age range due to consumption of certain pelagic fish species indicated that human health risk might be of concern.