Metals in Wild and Cultured Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758) from Fish Markets in Sinop: Consumer’s Health Risk Assessment

Concentrations of Cd, Hg, Pb, As, Al, Cu, Fe, and Zn were determined in the muscles of wild and farmed European seabass in Sinop markets between September and December in 2020, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave digestion. In the study, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), and copper (Cu) were found higher than the other metals both in wild and cultured Dicentrarchus labrax. These are essential elements, but excess amounts act as a poison. Arsenic (As) concentration was higher than cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) both in wild and cultured D. labrax. The estimated maximum total dietary intakes of these eight metals from both wild and farmed European seabass were below the maximum acceptable daily intake values set by the Turkish Food Codex and European Union Regulation. Results showed that according to metal amounts, consumption of D. labrax had no threat to consumers’ health. The target hazard quotient (THQ) revealed that harmful health impacts may not occur. Furthermore, risk index (RI) indicated that there may have a lower risk of developing cancer in the future who have been exposed to Pb and As through fish intake. Although the fish are not overly contaminated, the metal level is rising. Increased amounts of heavy metals in fish in different areas could be due to an increase in farm inflow water, domestic sewage, and a number of other anthropogenic sources, all of which should be looked into further. Precautions should be made to safeguard this fish from metal contamination and to reduce the risk to human health.