Seafood Safety Assessment of Heavy Metals in Commercial Marine Species Purchased in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Implications for Non-Carcinogenic Risks

This study assessed the concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Mn, and Fe in edible tissues of seven commercially important seafood species purchased from the central fish market in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Metal concentrations differed significantly among species (p < 0.05). Mean metal concentrations decreased in the order Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Mn > Ni > Pb > Cd. Overall accumulation ranking: Crustaceans > Mollusks > Cephalopods (species-dependent). The concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Mn, and Fe ranged from 0.262–3.226, 0.949–18.979, 6.549–53.817, 1.007–5.686, 1.037–2.714, 0.791–4.606, and 2.183–77.490 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. Cd concentrations were below the limit of detection (LOD; 0.0234 mg/kg wet weight). Several species exceeded the applicable guideline limits for Cd and Pb. At the same time, the reference values for Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, and Cr were interpreted descriptively, as no applicable maximum limit had been established. Individual target hazard quotient (THQ) values were below 1; however, hazard index (HI) values exceeded unity in selected species, indicating potential cumulative non-carcinogenic risks. Overall, the findings demonstrate species-specific variation in trace metal concentrations and highlight the importance of continued monitoring of commercially available seafood to support consumer safety and public health.