Estimation of Daily Intake and Potential Risk of Chromium, Lead and Cadmium in Consumers of Common carp and Zander from Gorgan Gulf

Background and Aim: Fishes are one of the main aquatic organisms in the food chain and may often accumulate large amounts of certain metals. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of selected heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Pb and Cr) in the muscles of two fish species (Sander lucioperca and Cyprinus carpio) from Gorgan Bay and to estimate the value daily intake of heavy metals by consumption of fish and human health risk assessment. Material and Methods: The determination of Cd, Pb and Cr in fish tissues was carried out using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer, (Thermo, Model 97GFS). Health risks of fish were assessed by the target hazard quotients (THQs), provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) and provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI). Results: The results showed that mean concentrations of Cd, Pb and Cr in muscle tissue of Sander lucioperca were 0.09, 0.53 and 5.56 mg kg-1 ww, respectively and also, mean concentrations of Cd, Pb and Cr in muscle tissue of Cyprinus carpio were 0.26, 0.43 and 6.4 mg kg-1 ww, respectively. The THQ values of Cd, Pb and Cr were below 1 for both species. The estimated values of Cd, Pb and Cr in muscles of fish in this study were below the established values by JECFA. Conclusion: A health risk analysis of the heavy metals measured in the fish muscles indicated that the fish can be classified at one of the safest levels for the general population and that there are no possible risks pertaining to Common carp and Zander fish consumption.