Trace elements in the muscle tissue of Hemiculter leucisculus and Abramis brama orientalis from the Anzali International wetland, south-west of Caspian Sea: An exposure risk assessment

High levels of trace elements in aquatic environments can affect the quality of seafood. We analyzed the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Hg, Mn, Ni and Pb, in the edible muscles of Hemiculter leucisculus and A. brama orientalis caught in four different areas of southwest of the Caspian Sea. We estimated the potential risks for human health deriving by the oral consumption of these two species, and the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) according to the US-EPA approach. THQ by adults and children was always below 1 for all stations. The greater contribution was given by Co, followed by Cd, Hg, Pb, Ni, As and Mn. Total-THQ was 0.538 and 0.246 for children and adults, respectively. Trace elements detected by our study were not elevated, highlighting a positive picture of the studied area and a lower risk of developing chronic systemic effects deriving from the consumption of local fish products.