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Assessment and measurement of heavy metals (Lead, Nickel, Zinc, Iron, and Copper) in the muscle tissue of Lethrinus nebulosus in Hormozgan province and associated health risk evaluation
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Abdolvahed Rahmani *   , Naser Koosej |
| Department of Chemistry, Farabi Building, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran , rahmaniabdolvahed@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (684 Views) |
Background and Aim: The expansion of industrial and urban activities has led to environmental pollution by heavy metals, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. These contaminants can accumulate along the food chain, increasing their concentration over time. This study investigates the levels of lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in the muscle tissue of Lethrinus nebulosus (Sha’ri fish) from three regions in Hormozgan Province (Dargahan, Bandar Khamir, and Bandar Abbas) due to their ecological and public health significance.
Methods: A total of 180 Lethrinus nebulosus specimens were collected from the three study areas during the summer and winter seasons of 2023. The samples were transported to the laboratory, where biometric analyses were performed. Muscle tissues were excised, dried, ground into powder, and subjected to chemical digestion. The concentrations of Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe, and Cu were then measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Analytik Jena, Germany, Model ContrAA 700).
Results: The results indicated a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the concentration of the studied heavy metals in the muscle tissue of Lethrinus nebulosus across the three locations. Dargahan exhibited the highest metal concentrations compared to Bandar Khamir and Bandar Abbas. Additionally, seasonal variations were observed, with significantly higher concentrations of heavy metals in the summer compared to the winter (p<0.05). However, a comparison of metal concentrations with international standards established by the FAO, WHO, and EPA revealed that the detected levels of Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe, and Cu were below permissible limits.
Conclusion: The health risk assessment of consuming Lethrinus nebulosus suggests that, at current consumption rates, the levels of lead, nickel, zinc, iron, and copper do not pose a risk to consumers. However, continuous monitoring is recommended to ensure long-term seafood safety in the region.
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| Keywords: Risk assessment, Lethrinus nebulosus, Atomic absorption spectrophotometry, Food chain, Hormozgan |
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Full-Text [PDF 468 kb]
(143 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Marine Medicine
Received: 2024/10/15 | Accepted: 2025/03/1 | Published: 2025/02/28
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