Toxic trace elements content and health risk estimation of fish species from the Mauritanian Atlantic coast

Résumé

Toxic trace elements represent a major risk for human health and the environment. Fish products can be a potential source for these contaminants; thus, this research aims to determine the content of four toxic trace elements (cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic) in fish species from the Mauritanian Atlantic coast (Pomatomus saltatrix, Trachurus trachurus, Pagrus pagrus and Argyrosomus regius). In addition to determining the content of different toxic trace elements, the target hazard quotient (THQ) and the hazard index (HI) were calculated in order to estimate the non-carcinogenic potential risk related to the consumption of the studied fish species. The presence of cadmium, lead and arsenic was investigated using the ICP-OES technique, while the determination of mercury was carried out with a direct mercury analyzer. The research found that mercury was present in all samples, cadmium in most, and lead in 13.43% of the samples, while arsenic was not detected at all. The concentrations of these elements were generally within acceptable ranges. The THQ for all toxic trace elements were under the limit (< 1) established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), except for the THQ of mercury, which exceeded the limit in children consuming Pomatomus saltatrix five times a week, where the THQ obtained was 1.22. In conclusion, fish products analyzed indicate the presence of acceptable levels of cadmium, mercury and lead; though, no contamination by arsenic. In terms of the estimation of non-carcinogenic effect, no risk was identified; however, monitoring must be carried out, especially in children consuming Pomatomus saltatrix five times a week.

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