Heavy Metal Concentrations in Trachurus Mediterraneus and Merlangius Merlangus Captured from Marmara Sea, Turkey and...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Marine Biology
• Public Health

Background:

• Industrialization and population growth degrade marine ecosystems.
• Heavy metals bioaccumulate in fish, posing ecological and public health risks.
• Assessing heavy metal contamination in commercially important fish is crucial for food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine heavy metal concentrations in Mediterranean horse mackerel and Whiting from the Marmara Sea.
• To assess the ecological risk and public health implications of heavy metal accumulation in these fish species.
• To compare heavy metal levels against international safety standards.

Main Methods:

• ICP-MS analysis of heavy metal (Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Hg, Cu, Zn, Fe) concentrations in fish muscle tissue.
• Sampling from four key sites in the Marmara Sea: Adalar, İzmit Bay, Yalova, and Tekirdağ.
• Calculation of Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI) to evaluate potential health impacts.

Main Results:

• Yalova sampling site showed the highest heavy metal concentrations.
• Arsenic and chromium exceeded WHO permissible limits in both fish species.
• Lead and cadmium exceeded limits in Whiting, while arsenic exceeded limits in both species.
• Estimated Weekly Intake for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury surpassed tolerable levels at certain sites.

Conclusions:

• Consumption of Mediterranean horse mackerel and Whiting from the Marmara Sea may pose health risks due to heavy metal contamination.
• Arsenic contamination is a significant concern in both studied fish species.
• Public health advisories and stricter environmental regulations are recommended to mitigate risks associated with heavy metal pollution in marine food sources.