Human health hazards associated with metal contamination in seven commercially important fishes from the Bay of Bengal: A multi-index analysis

Human exposure to toxic metals via consumption of contaminated marine fish poses a significant public health concern, particularly in coastal regions impacted by pollution. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of trace and heavy metal contamiantion (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Hg, Ni, Co, Se, Rb, Sr, and As) in seven commercially important yet previously understudied offshore fish species from the Bay of Bengal, varying in habitat and feeding behavior. Metal concentrations were determined using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), and associated health risks were evaluated using multiple indices. The mean concentrations followed the order: Fe > Sr > Zn > Cu > Se > Cr > Co > Rb > Ni > Pb > Hg > As, Mn (below detection). Among the seven fishes, Thunnus obesus exhibited the highest Metal Pollution Index (MPI), indicating higher bioaccumulation. Estimated daily intake (EDI) values for both adults and children were below recommended safety limits. Target hazard quotient (THQ) values remained <1, suggesting no significant non-carcinogenic risks. Carcinogenic risk (CR) values for Cr were within acceptable limits and Pb posed negligible risk. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, Cluster analyses) identified industrial effluents and agricultural runoff as the primary sources of metal contamination. The results remain significant despite the absence of immediate human health risks, as they offer essential baseline data for tracking long-term marine pollution trends and informing future seafood safety regulations. • Metal levels ranked as: Fe > Sr > Zn > Cu > Se > Cr > Co > Rb > Ni > Pb > Hg. • Identified species-specific MPI variations, with Thunnus obesus most contaminated. • EDI values remained below regulatory limits for both adults and children. • THQ values were <1, indicating no notable non-carcinogenic health risks. • Industrial effluents and runoff were identified as major metal pollution sources.