Assessing potentially toxic elements in edible fish: A health risk analysis from Coastal Islands in Bangladesh

Trace elements are emerging as a significant global concern due to their potential toxicity and impact on amphibian biological systems and aquatic ecosystems, which may adversely affect human health through fish consumption. This study evaluated the potential health risks associated with metal exposure from the consumption of various fish species on Bhola, a south-central island of Bangladesh. Trace element concentrations in the edible portions (flesh) of 10 cultivated fish species (30 samples) were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of trace elements in descending order were as follows; iron (Fe) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu) > cobalt (Co) > manganese (Mn) > nickel (Ni) > lead (Pb) > mercury (Hg) > arsenic (As) > chromium (Cr) > cadmium (Cd). As and Cr levels in all fish samples were below the detection limits of the laboratory-developed method. Pearson correlation analysis revealed both significant positive and negative relationships among the concentrations of toxic metals in the fish species. To identify potential sources of contamination (both natural and anthropogenic), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were employed. Health risk assessments were conducted by calculating estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), metal pollution index (MPI), and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) following FAO/WHO and USEPA guidelines. The findings indicated that the EDI, THQ, and TTHQ values for all trace elements in fish samples were below 1, suggesting no significant health risks to consumers from current fish consumption levels. Cancer risk (CR) assessments for toxic inorganic elements such as Cd, Cr, and Pb were below 10⁻⁶, indicating no carcinogenic risk associated with fish consumption at present. This study provides new insights into metal bioaccumulation patterns and their implications for food safety, highlighting its significance in public health and environmental monitoring. Therefore, rigorous monitoring and assessment of fish-rearing environments, along with the implementation of effective regulations by relevant authorities is recommended to control trace element contamination.