Benefit-risk assessment of consuming fish and shrimp from a large eutrophic freshwater lake, China

In this study, contents of fatty acids, essential trace elements (Fe, I, Zn, Se, Cu, Mo, Cr) and non-essential trace elements (As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb) were quantified in fish and shrimp species from large eutrophic Chaohu Lake, southeastern China. Total fat acids in the samples were 0.10-2.41 g/100 g, in which DHA+EPA were 0.03-0.24 g/100 g. Mean content of essential trace elements (mu g/g) in fish and shrimp species followed the order of Fe (10.3)> Cu (9.9)> Zn (7.7)> Cr (1.42)> Se (0.337)> Mo (0.285)> I (0.023). The As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb content in the samples were < 4.5-218, 14-97, 3-47, 4200-11300 and 144-1130 mu g/kg, respectively, which was below the national maximum limit with the exception of Pb content in several samples. Benefit-risk assessment for fish and shrimp consumption was conducted on the basis of nutrients and contaminants. To achieve the recommended 250 mg of DHA+EPA daily intake, results of benefit-risk assessment indicated that fish and shrimp consumption can be major source of Se, Cu, Mo and Cr intake, whereas fish consumption was potential non-carcinogenic risk exposure for Ni. Benefit-risk assessment contributed to the identification of main benefits and hazards of freshwater fish and shrimp consumption for general inland population in China, especially those residing in middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

Automated summary

This study quantified the contents of fatty acids, essential trace elements, and non-essential trace elements in fish and shrimp species from Chaohu Lake in China. The benefit-risk assessment showed that fish and shrimp consumption can provide important nutrients while also posing potential risks from certain contaminants.