Human health risk assessment of heavy metals detected in dried fish species consumed in Benin City, Edo State, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metal content and its associated hazard risk to human health were assessed in dried fish species commonly consumed in Benin city metropolis. In this study, three commercially available dried fish species Elops lacerta (ten pounder), Clarias gariepinus (catfish) and Cynoglossus senegalensis (sole fish) were purchased from selected markets in Edo State, Southern Nigeria. Result indicates that the heavy metal content was higher in Elops lacerta fish than the other fish species. On average, levels of Cd (0.23±0.03 mg/kg), Cu (10.50±2.87 mg/kg), Pb (0.14±0.03 mg/kg) and Zn (24.97±2.41 mg/kg) in all three fish species were below the maximum acceptable limits except for Fe (44.44 ±3.18 mg/kg). The metal pollution index (MPI) in fish species was below 100. Estimated daily intake (EDI) for the metals was lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI). Target hazard quotient (THQ) of all metals was below 1, but the total THQ values for associated metals were above 1 for children, suggesting a non-carcinogenic health risk to children. Target carcinogenic risk (TR) was within the acceptable limits of 10 ^–4 to 10 ^–6 indicating low carcinogenic risk to the consumer. We recommend that the dried fish species in the studied areas should be closely monitored to protect consumer health, especially in children.