Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Residues in Some Retailed Fish from Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt

In Egypt, various fish species are commonly consumed for their rich nutritional value, widespread availability, and appealing taste. However, chemical residues, particularly heavy metals, can accumulate in fish muscles and internal organs, posing significant health risks to consumers. In this study, 80 samples of tilapia, mackerel, catfish, and mullet were obtained from different fish markets in Dakahlia province, Egypt, to analyze heavy metal residues, specifically lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and copper (Cu), using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Additionally, the detected metals were assessed by calculating the estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI). Results revealed that Cd, Pb, Hg, As, and Cu were detected in 91.3%, 100%, 78.8%, 100%, and 100% of the examined fish, respectively. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) in tilapia, mackerel, catfish, and mullet were as follows: for Cd, 0.03±0.004, 0.04±0.01, 0.05±0.004, and 0.06±0.01; for Pb, 2.39±0.21, 1.53±0.22, 1.64±0.17, and 1.33±0.23; for Hg, 0.08±0.01, 0.20±0.03, 0.12±0.04, and 0.17±0.03; for As, 8.43±0.48, 12.90±0.60, 12.26±0.35, and 6.85±0.38; and for Cu, 3.29±0.25, 4.16±0.36, 0.77±0.05, and 3.41±0.26. All fish samples were within acceptable limits for Cu residues but were entirely unacceptable for As residues. The acceptability for Cd, Pb, and Hg varied across the samples. Health risk assessment showed hazard indices of 20.11, 30.34, 29, and 16.18 for tilapia, mackerel, catfish, and mullet, respectively, all exceeding the threshold value of 1, indicating significant health risks. Consequently, consumption of these fish species poses potential health hazards due to the high cumulative risk associated with heavy metals contamination.