Trace Metal Dynamics in European Sprat (Sprattus sprattus Linnaeus, 1758) from the Southern Black Sea: Monthly Variations and Consumer Health Risk Assessment

This study presents a comprehensive toxicological and dietary risk assessment of potentially toxic and essential trace elements (Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Fe) in the muscle tissues of European sprat (Sprattus sprattus Linnaeus, 1758) obtained from the local fishermen in Samsun, Black Sea. Element concentrations were quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mean metal concentrations followed the decreasing order of "Fe">"Zn">"Cu">"Pb">"Hg">"Cd" . All investigated elements were substantially below the maximum permissible limits established by both the European Commission and the Turkish Food Codex, highlighting a clean safety profile. Human health risk assessments were evaluated using the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ). The individual THQ values for all elements were well below the critical threshold of 1.0, with the highest risk contribution stemming from mercury (83.3%). The cumulative non-carcinogenic risk index (TTHQ) was exceptionally low 1.34×10-2, indicating that lifetime dietary consumption of S. sprattus from the southern Black Sea poses no chronic health hazards to consumers. These baseline findings highlight the nutritional safety of small pelagic fishes in the region and underscore the importance of continuous bio-monitoring program designs for Black Sea fisheries.