Health Risk Assessment and Mineral Contents in Brown Seaweed Colpomenia sinuosa for Human Consumption

This study focuses on the mineral content and health risk assessment of the brown seaweed Colpomenia sinuosa. The mineral composition of the seaweed samples (Na, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, P, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, Al) was investigated from three different Turkish coastal locations: İzmir Bay (S1), the Strait of Çanakkale (S2), and the Sea of Marmara (S3). The mineral contents of samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) as part of our methodology. It was found that the mineral content varied significantly depending on the location from which the samples were taken. The highest levels of Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Ni, and Mn were observed in the samples from İzmir Bay, whereas those from the Sea of Marmara showed elevated levels of P and Zn. The study also revealed the presence of heavy metals, including Pb, Co, Cd, Cr, and Al, in the seaweed. According to hazard index (HI) calculations, adult consumption of this seaweed poses a low health risk, with a hazard index below 1. Various heavy metals have been detected in the seaweed, but their concentrations are not high enough to pose significant health risks, and therefore, the seaweed is safe for human consumption within reasonable limits. Our results suggest that C. sinuosa could be a valuable source of essential minerals for human consumption.