Contaminant Dynamics in the Muscle of the European Seabass from the Syrian Coast (Eastern Mediterranean) and Associated Human Health Risks
Raeda Salah
*
Faculty of Dentistry, Tartous University, Syria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Fish are known to bio-accumulate heavy metals and, hence, when consumed, could become a threat to human health. In this study, accumulation of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) in the muscle of Dicentrarchus labrax from the Syrian marine waters (Eastern Mediterranean) were assessed. Samples were collected from six different areas during two consecutive years, from March 2021 to February 2023. The desired hazard quotient and predicted daily intake were used to calculate health risk. Relatively near sources of industrial pollution, tourist attractions, and agricultural operations, heavy metal concentrations were greater. The concentration of Zn in the muscle was at reasonable levels for human consumption and ranged between 4.123-24.084 µg/g wet weight. Copper was found with an average ranging between 0.401-0.897 µg/g wet weight. The lead concentration was (0.245-0.619 µg/g wet weight), while Cadmium was the least concentrated (0.0081-0.0178 µg/g wet weight). These concentrations indicated that all heavy metals studied were in the permissible safety levels for human consumption, and within the limits allowed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Keywords: Bioaccumulation, heavy metals, Dicentrarchus labrax, syrian coast, Eastern Mediterranean