Estimation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Selected Marine Fish in Bangladesh and Their Health Impact

BackgroundSea fish traditionally serves as a protein source and plays a crucial and indispensable role in providing nutrition for the people of Bangladesh. However, frequent consumption may potentially indicate health risks through contamination with toxic heavy metals. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the levels of heavy metal concentrations (Cr, Fe, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Pb) in selected sea fish from Chattogram and Coxs Bazar districts in Bangladesh. MethodsA wet digestion technique was employed to prepare the samples for analyzing heavy metals. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) in flame and furnace technique was utilized for the estimation of heavy metal content. The health risk of human was evaluated grounded on Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) or Hazard Index (HI), and Target Cancer Risk (CR). ResultThe descending chronology of average concentrations for the selected heavy metals was as follows: Fe (32.36) > Ni (12.12) > Pb (9.70) > Cu (7.29) > Mn (5.94) > Cr (5.22). The correlations (r0.587) between Cr and Mn were found significantly positive which indicated the parameters were interconnected with each other and likely have a common origin within the study area. EDI values of four samples in the case of Cr and six values for Pb exceeded the reference doses (RfD) which included Bombay Duck, Ilish, Silver Pomfret, Longfin Tuna, Indian Threadfin, and Bigeye Ilisha. In six sea fish samples, the THQ for Cr and Pb crossed the allowable limit of 1. The TTHQ/HI values for seven fish species were higher than 1 ranging from Bigeye Ilisha (3.25) to Indian Mackerel (1.35). The CR values for the majority of the heavy metals fell within an acceptable range. ConclusionsFrom a public health perspective, this study revealed that continuous consumption of heavy metals, resulting in non-oncogenic and oncogenic health implications as well.