Accumulation of metals in hake (Merluccius merluccius) from the Montenegrin coast

This study presents the results of the content of metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) in hake (Merluccius merluccius) from the Montenegrin coast, as well as the risk assessment and hazard index for human health caused by the consumption of hake. The examined hake samples were taken from the open sea on the Montenegrin coast in the period from spring 2019 to autumn 2020. During the entire research period, the mean concentrations of the examined metals in hake muscle tissue moved in the following decreasing order: Zn > Fe > Mn > Cu > Ni > Cr. The results of this research indicate that the concentrations of the tested metals in the hake samples were within or below the permitted limit values. Values of risk assessment and hazard index for all tested metals in hake muscle tissue were below unity, so the hazard index was also low. There are no health risks from the intake of Cr, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn by consuming hake. However, further monitoring and analysis of the presence of non-essential metals in fish are recommended, as well as assessing the risks and dangers to human health caused by the consumption of fish.