Heavy metals content of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) and associated human health risks in selected Tehran s fish market suppliers

This study investigated the contamination of heavy metals and their associated health risks in tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) supplied in some selected Tehran fish markets. To contaminated fish muscles in different fish stores. Hg and as showed more target hazard quotient (THQ) than the other metals, and as was the most dangerous carcinogenic metals to children. Total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) and cumulative carcinogenic risk (CCR) demonstrated that studied heavy metals in tilapia have more non-carcinogenic effects than carcinogenic problems in humans. Together, the heavy metals content of tilapia fish in Tehran s fish markets is at a cautious level for consumers, especially those who are susceptible to such toxic materials, and target consumers should be informed and warned to avoid health-related problems.this end, fish samples were collected from Tehran s selected fish markets, including Sharin, Mah Protein, Novin Persian Gulf, Tohfeh, and Zarafshan Jonub in May 2021. The concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Hg, Pb, Cd, Zn, Co, and As) in the edible tissue of Oreochromis niloticus was measured using Microwave Digestion method and flame atomic absorption device. The mean concentration of heavy metals in sampled fish, expressed as μg/g d.w. and the highest concentration of Cu, Cr, Hg, Pb, Cd, Zn, Co, and As was evaluated at 4.12 ± 0.04, 5.23 ± 0.6, 0.14 ± 0.14, 0.25 ± 0.04, 0.14 ± 0.02, 0.76 ± 0.01, 0.07 ± 0.09 in Tohfeh, Novin Persian Gulf Fisheries, Zarafshan Jonub, and Sharin, respectively. The average concentration of Cr and Cu in the studied fish markets showed a significant difference and no significant difference was observed in other heavy metals (P 0.05). The results showed that Cr, Co, and Cd concentrations were higher than standard values suggested by World Health Organization, Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment and Food and Agriculture Organization standards. Children and youngsters were the most vulnerable groups to the contaminated fish muscles in different fish stores. Hg and as showed more target hazard quotient (THQ) than the other metals, and as was the most dangerous carcinogenic metals to children. Total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) and cumulative carcinogenic risk (CCR) demonstrated that studied heavy metals in tilapia have more non-carcinogenic effects than carcinogenic problems in humans. Together, the heavy metals content of tilapia fish in Tehran s fish markets is at a cautious level for consumers, especially those who are susceptible to such toxic materials, and target consumers should be informed and warned to avoid health-related problems.