Assessment of bioaccumulation and health risks of heavy metals in selected fish species from Red Sea coastal waters, Saudi Arabia

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the metals bioaccumulation in commercially important fish species collected from the coastal waters of Yanbu, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. The analysis of collected fish samples revealed species-specific variations in heavy metal concentrations. Mullus surmuletus exhibited the highest accumulation, followed by Sparus aurata, Sole sole, and Epinephelus marginalis, while Lethrinus nebulosus displayed the lowest accumulation. The concentrations of Na, Al, V, Fe, Mg, Cd, Cu, As, Mo, and Sb in the fish species adhered to the recommended limits, except for Siganus canaliculatus, where Pb concentrations exceeded established limits due to human activities. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in trace metal concentrations among the marine samples, reflecting the influence of environmental factors and living habits. The study also assessed the potential health hazards associated with the consumption of fish species in Saudi Arabia, focusing on trace metal intake. The estimated weekly intake (EWI) of investigated metals was found to be below the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), indicating that the intake of these metals through fish consumption is within acceptable limits for both adults and children. Health risk assessment using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) indicated a low likelihood of adverse health effects, with THQ values below 1 for all trace metals. The Hazard Index (HI), considering the combined effects of multiple trace metals, also indicated no significant health risks, with HI values below the acceptable limit of 1. The assessment of target cancer risk (TCR) for arsenic, cadmium, and lead suggested a low level of carcinogenic risk associated with their consumption. To ensure consumer safety, maximum allowable consumption rates (CR lim ) were determined for each species, indicating the maximum daily consumption of fish without adverse non-carcinogenic health effects. The computed maximum permissible meals per month (CR mm ) values, representing the maximum number of monthly fish meals, indicated no carcinogenic health risks for adults, exceeding 16 meals per month for all species. However, for Siganus canaliculatus , lower cadmium CR lim values indicated a lower limit for safe consumption. The study recommends following the lower CR mm value for pollutants known to cause cancer or those with uncertain carcinogenic properties, as per the guidelines provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency.