Metal accumulation and consumer health risk assessment of demersal fish species marketed in the northeastern Mediterranean

This study investigates metal accumulation and evaluates the associated consumer health risks in Lithognathus mormyrus, Mullus barbatus, Nemipterus randalli, Pagellus erythrinus , and Upeneus moluccensis collected from fish markets and supermarkets in three major cities (Adana, Antalya, and Mersin) of the Northeastern Mediterranean region. Samples were collected seasonally, and metal concentrations in muscle tissue were determined following acid digestion using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The mean concentrations of metals (mg kg⁻¹ wet weight) ranged from 0.39 to 2.65 for Se, 0.02 to 0.68 for Hg, 0.19 to 1.86 for Cr, 0.01 to 0.59 for Pb, 0.01 to 0.67 for Cd, and 0.12 to 15.93 for total As. The results were evaluated based on different consumption scenarios for adults and children. Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI) was calculated and compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) limits established for each metal. Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Cancer Risk (CR), and Selenium–Health Benefit Value (HBV Se ) were also assessed. The EWI and HBV Se values were found to be within safe limits for all samples. THQ values ranged from 0.03 to 2.41, with values exceeding 1 for Hg, Cd, and As in children under high-consumption scenarios. Furthermore, CR (Cr) values ranged between 1.2 × 10⁻⁶ and 3.8 × 10⁻⁴, with elevated Cr-related cancer risk observed in U. moluccensis. • Metal concentrations showed species-specific differences • U. moluccensis exhibiting the highest As and Cr levels. • EWI for adults and children were below international safety limits • THQ indicated potential health risks for children, particularly from Hg, Cd, and As • HBVSe suggested a protective effect of Se against Hg toxicity