<p>Heavy metal contamination from coastal industry poses critical threats to seafood safety and public health globally. These toxic elements accumulate in marine biota, entering human diets through widespread fish consumption and causing chronic health risks—including cancer. Focusing on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital fishing and shipping corridor supplying seafood to millions, this study quantifies cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in five commercially consumed fish species from Lengeh and Khamir ports. Gill, liver, and muscle tissues were analyzed via flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS), with levels benchmarked against WHO/FAO safety thresholds. We further evaluated human exposure risks through Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Cancer Risk (CR) indices, revealing significant concerns linked to dietary exposure. Results showed metal accumulation followed the pattern: muscle &lt; gill &lt; liver, with Cd &lt; Pb &lt; Ni &lt; Cu &lt; Zn. <i>Platycephalus indicus</i> had the highest metal concentrations at both ports, with no significant differences between locations. Risk assessments (EDI, EWI, CR<sub>lim</sub>, THQ) indicated most heavy metal levels in edible fish parts were within international standards, except for Ni, which exceeded FDA and USEPA limits. In Lengeh port, Cu <i>in P. indicus</i> and Ni in multiple species exceeded permissible limits. The lead levels in fish from both ports were below FDA and USEPA limits but surpassed National Health and Medical Research Council standards in <i>P. indicus</i> and <i>Aethaloperca rogaa</i>. Cadmium levels were generally within limits, except for <i>P. indicus</i>, which exceeded NHMRC standards. Non-cancer risk indices were below acceptable thresholds, but potential cancer risks highlight the need for stricter pollution controls. Continuous monitoring of heavy metal bioaccumulation, especially in industrial areas like Lengeh Port, is crucial for ensuring food safety and sustainable fish consumption.</p>

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Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Fish from Strait of Hormuz: Implications for Human Health Risks and Seafood Safety

  • Abouzar Alavi,
  • Maryam Saadatmand,
  • Mohammad-Ali Salari-Aliabadi,
  • Alireza Safahieh,
  • Nima Shiry

摘要

Heavy metal contamination from coastal industry poses critical threats to seafood safety and public health globally. These toxic elements accumulate in marine biota, entering human diets through widespread fish consumption and causing chronic health risks—including cancer. Focusing on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital fishing and shipping corridor supplying seafood to millions, this study quantifies cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in five commercially consumed fish species from Lengeh and Khamir ports. Gill, liver, and muscle tissues were analyzed via flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS), with levels benchmarked against WHO/FAO safety thresholds. We further evaluated human exposure risks through Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Cancer Risk (CR) indices, revealing significant concerns linked to dietary exposure. Results showed metal accumulation followed the pattern: muscle < gill < liver, with Cd < Pb < Ni < Cu < Zn. Platycephalus indicus had the highest metal concentrations at both ports, with no significant differences between locations. Risk assessments (EDI, EWI, CRlim, THQ) indicated most heavy metal levels in edible fish parts were within international standards, except for Ni, which exceeded FDA and USEPA limits. In Lengeh port, Cu in P. indicus and Ni in multiple species exceeded permissible limits. The lead levels in fish from both ports were below FDA and USEPA limits but surpassed National Health and Medical Research Council standards in P. indicus and Aethaloperca rogaa. Cadmium levels were generally within limits, except for P. indicus, which exceeded NHMRC standards. Non-cancer risk indices were below acceptable thresholds, but potential cancer risks highlight the need for stricter pollution controls. Continuous monitoring of heavy metal bioaccumulation, especially in industrial areas like Lengeh Port, is crucial for ensuring food safety and sustainable fish consumption.