Occurrence of trace metals in fish from South Italy: Assessment risk to consumer's health

The concentrations of nine trace elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, V, Ni, Co, Cr, Cu and Zn) were determined in sixteen fish species collected in commercial centers of South Italy. Additionally, the assessment of risk indices (Hazard Quotient, Hazard Index, Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk) through the consumption of various fish species were estimated in different age groups. The concentrations fell under the maximum permissible levels (MPLs) for human consumption recommended by European Union, with an only exception regarding Cd, which exceeded the tolerable value in Atlantic bluefin tuna samples. The estimated weekly intakes of metals, all below Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes (PTWIs), were in the following decreasing order: children > teenagers > adults > elders. The estimated hazard quotient (HQ) of Hg being above or close to 1 indicated a high probability of experiencing non-carcinogenic health risks, while the noncarcinogenic threats associated with exposure to other metals were insignificant (< 1) for all age groups. The cumulative cancer risk (ΣILCR) in children (1.86 × 10−3) and teenagers (1.10 × 10−3) exceed the cancer benchmark by a greater margin than adults (7.53 × 10-4) and elders (6.43 × 10-4). These results impose a systematic monitoring of fish, especially of large predatory fish, so to ensure the continuing safety of this food safeguarding human health.