Trace metal accumulation in oceanic tuna species and its implication on human health

The present study investigates the concentrations of 14 trace and heavy metals (Ag, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Hg, As, and Se) in two oceanic tuna species (Thunnus albacares and Katsuwonus pelamis) collected from the Tharuvaikulam fish landing centre along the Tuticorin coast, Southeast India, to evaluate potential health risks associated with their consumption. The analysis focused on the muscle, liver, gill, and skin tissues which were investigated using ICP-MS to assess the potential health risks associated with their metal accumulation. The concentration patterns of trace metals in the organs of T. albacares were found to be Se > Al > Fe > Zn > Cr > Cu > Mn > Ni > Pb > As > Hg > Cd > Co in muscle, skin, gill, and liver. In K. pelamis, a similar pattern was observed in skin, gill, and liver in the order of Se > Al > Zn > Fe > Cr > Cu > Mn > Ni > Pb > As > Hg > Cd > Co. Selenium (Se) had the highest Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) value in both Thunnus albacares (0.325 mg/kg bw/day) and Katsuwonus pelamis (0.036 mg/kg bw/day), both of which exceeded the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values for all toxic metals in tuna from the Tharuvaikulam region were below 1 for both children and adults, indicating no significant health risks and aligning with previous findings on tuna fish species. Nevertheless, ongoing monitoring of trace metal levels in seafood from this region is recommended to ensure continued consumer safety.