Bioaccumulation of Trace Metals (Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Fe) in Boops boops (Walbaum, 1792) from the Algerian West Coast: Human Health Risk Assessment

Despite its prevalence in the Algerian fishery sector, limited research has examined metal contamination in Boops boops (L., 1758), a widely consumed sparid species along the Algerian coast. This study quantified five potentially hazardous metals, zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and iron (Fe), in the gonads and gills of B. boops, given their bioaccumulation potential in aquatic ecosystems. Between January and December 2023, monthly samples were collected from four major fishing ports from the Algerian west coast. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to analyze seasonal and sex-based variations in metal concentrations. Findings indicate that males accumulate higher levels of zinc in their gonads, whereas females show greater bioaccumulation of lead, copper, iron, and cadmium. In the gills, males exhibit higher concentrations of heavy metals than females. Seasonal variations reveal increased contamination of gills by Cd, Cu, and Pb in winter, while gonads contain higher levels of Zn, Pb, and Cu during the same period. Nevertheless, metal concentrations in B. boops from the study area are generally lower than those reported in other Mediterranean regions. This study evaluated the estimated daily intake (EDI), weekly intake (EWI), and target hazard quotient (THQ). Copper concentrations were low (EDI: 0.038–0.051mg/ kg), whereas iron levels were comparatively higher (EDI: 1.468–2.932mg/ kg), particularly in children. Lead exposure exceeded recommended intake levels for children (EDI: 0.093–0.113mg/ kg), posing potential health risks. Zinc exhibited the highest EDI values among the analyzed metals, especially for children (EDI: 2.085–2.932mg/ kg). THQ analysis showed that all values remained below 1, indicating no immediate health hazard; however, cadmium and lead presented relatively high THQ values in female children (THQ: 0.17 and 0.123, respectively) All samples showed metal pollution index (MPI) values <1, confirming minimal contamination. These findings highlight Pb as a critical risk for children, despite overall low MPI, underscoring the need for targeted dietary intervention and ongoing health risk assessments.