Probabilistic health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements contamination in Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) fillets fish, Bandar Abbas, Iran

Abstract

Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta), a widely consumed fish in the Persian Gulf, may accumulate hazardous, potentially toxic elements due to environmental pollution. This study assessed concentrations of lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), inorganic arsenic (iAs), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) in mackerel fillets. It evaluated potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Thirty fish samples were analyzed using ICP-AES. Chronic daily intake (CDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total THQ (TTHQ), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) were calculated for adults and children, with uncertainty assessed via a Monte Carlo Simulation model. Mean potentially toxic elements concentrations (mg/kg wet weight) ranked: Pb (0.145) > Ni (0.118) > iAs (0.234) > Cu (0.020) > Co (0.008) > Cr (0.002) > Cd (0.0001). Non-carcinogenic risk (TTHQ) was below 1 for adults (0.342) but higher for children (0.711). Carcinogenic risk (ILCR) for adults (1.44 x 10(-4)) slightly exceeded the tolerable limit (1 x 10(-4)). Indian mackerel consumption poses no carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic health risks to consumers.