Human Health Risk of Frozen Fish Species Scomber scombrus and Merluccius capensis Sold from Markets in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed heavy metal concentration and human health risks associated in consumption of fish fillets from two commercially imported frozen fish species sold in the markets of Benin City, Edo State. Concentrations of Iron (Fe), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Lead (Pb) were quantified in Merluccius capensis and Scomber scombrus fish using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) (Model AA 500L). The results revealed that all metals analysed in both fishes were below the recommended allowable limit. Mean fish fillet levels were accumulated in the order: Fe>Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd in both fish species. The estimated daily intakes of all the metals, were below the Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake (PTDI). The estimated Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) ranged between 0.007- 0.5146 and TCR values of all the metals were in the range of 1.89E-05 and 2.42E-05, which were lower < 1 indicating no carcinogenic risk. Cumulative cancer risk (ΣILCR) in both fish species did exceed the cancer benchmark. Health risk assessment to humans via dietary intake of fish indicates adverse health effects of fish intake. The heavy metal burden in the different varieties of frozen fish obtained from the markets demonstrates enormously worrisome risks for the population that consumes them. Thus, we recommend that the imported frozen fish species in the studied areas should be closely monitored to protect consumer health.