Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in marine fish caught from the mediterranean sea at Damietta city, Egypt: perspective on cooking effects and health hazard assessment

Abstract This study evaluated the concentrations of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in 270 fish muscle samples comprising 90 each of flathead grey mullet ( Mugil cephalus ), gilthead bream ( Sparus aurata ), and brushtooth lizardfish ( Saurida undosquamis ) collected from the Mediterranean Sea at Damietta, Egypt. The impact of common household cooking methods (grilling and frying) on toxic metal levels and the associated human health risks was assessed in 90 fish samples comprising 30 from each fish species. Fish samples were subjected to wet digestion using a nitric-perchloric acid mixture and analyzed with the atomic absorption spectrophotometer for heavy metal determination. Mean ± SE concentrations (mg/kg wet weight) of Hg, As, Pb, and Cd were 0.05 ± 0.004, 11.69 ± 0.72, 0.895 ± 0.14, and 0.046 ± 0.005 in raw flathead grey mullet; 0.069 ± 0.005, 12.38 ± 0.45, 0.865 ± 0.13, and 0.062 ± 0.004 in raw gilthead bream; and 0.145 ± 0.011, 8.215 ± 0.50, 1.012 ± 0.13, and 0.087 ± 0.006 in raw brushtooth lizardfish, respectively. Arsenic concentrations exceeded permissible limits in all examined samples, while Pb and Cd surpassed regulatory limits in substantial proportions of the tested fish. In contrast, Hg levels remained below the recommended limit in all samples. Grilling and frying generally reduced toxic metal concentrations in the three fish species tested; however, grilling increased As levels in brushtooth lizardfish by 8.2%. Dietary exposure was evaluated by comparing estimated daily intake (EDI) with available health-based guidance values, whereas potential non-carcinogenic risk for Hg, Pb, and Cd was evaluated separately using USEPA reference-dose-based target hazard quotients (THQs). Health risk assessment revealed that estimated daily intakes of all analyzed metals were below their provisional tolerable daily intake values. Total arsenic concentrations exceeded the applicable maximum permissible level in all examined fish samples. However, arsenic-specific non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk estimates were not derived because total arsenic was measured without determination of its inorganic fraction. The present findings demonstrate considerable contamination of fish from the study area, particularly with As, Pb, and Cd, and highlight the need for continuous monitoring, stricter environmental controls, and effective regulatory strategies to protect public health and ensure seafood safety.