Monitoring heavy metal contamination on the Iranian coasts of the Persian Gulf using biological indicators: risk assessment for the consumers

This research was conducted to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, and Ni) in the sediments as well as the gill and muscle tissue of Siganus javus and two species of algae (Padina australis and Sargassum vulgare) collected from the Persian Gulf coasts of Bushehr province, which were studied using standard laboratory methods. The general form and trend of metal uptake at different stations in the gill and muscle tissue was Cu > Ni > Pb. The results of the study of metal uptake in both algae showed that the uptake of all three metals was higher in Padina species (Pb < Cu < Ni). The estimated daily intake (EDI), estimated weekly intake (EWI), allowable fish consumption rate limit (CRlim), and the target hazard quotients (THQ) for the consumption of this fish were also calculated. It was found that the concentration of heavy metals in the edible parts of the fish did not exceed the permissible limits proposed by the WHO, MAFF, JECFA, and NHMRC for human consumption, but the Ni concentration was higher than standard. The consumer risk indexes for non-cancerous diseases due to all metals were lower than standard. Also, the total risk index (HI) in this study was 0.065.

Automated summary

This research investigated the concentration of heavy metals in the sediments, gill and muscle tissue of Siganus javus, Padina australis, and Sargassum vulgare collected from the Persian Gulf coasts of Bushehr province. The uptake of metals in the gill and muscle tissue followed the trend Cu > Ni > Pb. The study also calculated the estimated daily intake, estimated weekly intake, allowable fish consumption rate limit, and target hazard quotients for the consumption of this fish. The concentration of heavy metals in the edible parts of the fish did not exceed the permissible limits proposed by relevant authorities, but the Ni concentration was higher than standard. The consumer risk indexes for non-cancerous diseases were lower than standard.