Assessmsent of health risks of copper and Zinc on the muscle tissue of Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) in three areas of Parsian, Assalouyeh and Minab, the Persian Gulf

Abstract

Metal pollution has always been a major cause of contamination of the environment and is considered a major concern for food health. In this study, the human health risk due to the consumption of muscle of Rastrelliger kanagurta was evaluated by measuring the concentrations of copper and zinc in caviar and muscle samples. After preparation operation, biometry, and digestion of muscle parts, measurement of heavy metal concentrations were done using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Mean concentrations of copper and zinc were lower than the international standard limits. In addition, the calculations indicated that daily and weekly copper and zinc uptake for the Iranian consumers, according to Statistical Yearbook of Iran Fisheries organization (the amount consumed per capita), is lower than the guideline values (PTWI and PTDI) provided by WHO, USEPA. In general, the THQ and total THQ measured in this study were <1. In conclusion, metals concentration in this species is acceptable for human consumption from a toxicity point of view. The consumption of the R. Kanagurta is not to cause any adverse health effects to consumers.

Keywords

• risk assessment
• persian gulf
• heavy metals
• indian mackerel
• rastrelliger