Potential health risk assessment of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Ni) via the consumption of the prevailing bony fish Liza auratas (Risso, 1810) of Caspian Sea

Heavy metals enter to water resources through various ways, causing dangers such as illness, cancer, and, in general, a disorder in the body of living organisms. Mullet (Liza aurata) is highly consumed by the people living in Guilan province, Iran. Therefore, the amount of heavy metals included copper, zinc, and nickel was investigated in the muscle tissue of mullet. A total number of 11 mullet were obtained from Bandar Anzali.  After a preparation step, the fish samples were digested using chemical digestion, and the amounts of heavy metals were determined by atomic absorption. The average concentration of copper, zinc, and nickel in muscle tissue was 10.07±0.93, 28.39 ±3.99, and 4.01 ± 0.55 μg/g dry weight, respectively. The concentrations of the studied metals were lower than the FAO, WHO, FDA, NHMRC and UKMAFF international standards, except for the nickel. The daily absorption rates of the studied metals (EDI) for children and adults were lower than the reference dose set by the EPA and the TI provided by the FAO / WHO Organization. The risk potential (THQ) of seven days, three days and one day consumption per week of Golden grey mullet for both adults and children were found less than 1. The hazard index (HI) of 7 days a week consumption of mullet for children was greater than 1. According to the results of the present study, the consumption of this fish has a harmful effect on consumer health in children age group.