Health risk assessment of heavy metals in the seafood at Kalpakkam coast, Southeast Bay of Bengal

The distribution of heavy metals in the seafood intake by various age group representatives around the Kal -pakkam coastal region was part of the baseline study. Totally 40 different types of fish species were estimated on heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Mn) in the coastal zone; the average concentration of heavy metals were 0.71, 0.06, 0, 0, 0.07, 0.02, 1.06 and 0.36 ppm, respectively. Individual mean bioaccumulation index (IMBI) and Metal pollution index (MPI) with heavy metals distributed around the coastal zone were compared with fish tissue and were found to be higher for Zn and Cu. The human health risk was calculated using un-certainty modeling of risk assessment of Estimated daily intake (EDI), Maximum allowable consumption rate (CRlim), Target hazard quotient (THQ), and Hazard index (HI) were estimated for different age groups. Our present values were suggestively high (>1) for both kids and adults. The cumulative cancer risk assessment based on heavy metals and the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) compared to the region did not exceed the recommended threshold risk limit around the Kalpakkam coastal zone. Statistical analyses such as correlation, Principal component, and Cluster investigation ensure that heavy metal concentrations do not pose a major risk to occupants.

Automated summary

The distribution of heavy metals in seafood intake was studied in the Kalpakkam coastal region. The average concentrations of heavy metals in 40 different fish species were determined. Zinc and copper were found to have higher bioaccumulation index and metal pollution index. Risk assessment calculations showed high values for different age groups. However, the cancer risk did not exceed recommended limits in the region.