Assessment of metal pollution index, target hazard quotient and human health risk in some marine organisms collected from the extreme west coast of Algeria

Trace metals are among the most hazardous pollutants in marine environments due to their bioaccumulative properties and their high toxicity. The present study aims to assess the level of metallic contamination in Ghazaouet Bay (northwest Algeria) by analysing 10 trace metals (Mo, Zn, Cu, Mn, V, Ni, Co, Cr, Cd and Pb) in 2 seaweeds (Enteromorpha linza and Corallina officinalis) and in a marine gastropod (Patella ferruginea) collected respectively from three polluted sites (A, B and C). The metal pollution index (MPI) revealed significant contamination, particularly for V, Cr, Mo, Cd and Pb in algae and for Cd and Pb in limpets. The highest MPI values for E. linza, C. officinalis and P. ferruginea were recorded at station C, while station A appeared the least polluted site. Health risks associated with the consumption of these organisms were assessed using the target hazard quotient (THQ) and the hazard index (HI). Although all THQ and HI values remained <1, indicating a low overall risk, the relatively high HI for C. officinalis (0.695) and E. linza (0.416) raises moderate concerns, especially due to Pb and Cd levels exceeding Centre d’Étude et de Valorisation des Algues (CEVA) standards. These results highlight the need for continual monitoring of metallic contamination of these marine food resources.