Metal(loid)s and minerals in fish tissues: health risk–benefit assessment and variations by gender and size

In this study, the concentrations of 15 metal(loid)s and minerals (MMs) were measured in the muscle, liver and gills of two economically important fish species (Cyprinus carpio and Tinca tinca) collected from Hirfanlı Reservoir (Türkiye) using inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry. The effects of fish weight, length and gender on the concentrations of MMs in the tissues, the health risks of metal(loid)s and the nutritional importance of essential metals and minerals were also evaluated. Results indicated that MM concentrations were similar between the two species, likely due to their simultaneous capture from the same reservoir location. Generally, higher MM levels were found in the liver and gills than in muscle. The most abundant MMs in the gills, liver and muscle were Ca (9677 mg/kg wet weight (ww)), P (5161 mg/kg ww) and K (5398 mg/kg ww), respectively. No statistically significant trends were observed in MM accumulation in the tissues based on fish gender or size. Both species were good sources of essential nutrients (Ca, Mg, P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn). The average concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Zn were below regulatory safety limits, indicating no significant health risk. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk values indicated that consuming these fish species would not pose a health risk to adults. Weekly consumption amounts below 210 g for C. carpio and below 280 g for T. tinca were deemed safe. The findings suggest that the nutritional benefits of these fish outweigh the potential health risks from metal(loid)s.