Assessment of heavy metal contamination risk in dry fish from India: A comprehensive study

The widespread presence of heavy metal contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, and consequently in fish, has emerged as a paramount concern owing to the staple role of fish in the Indian diet. The present study addresses heavy metal contamination in dried fish consumed across India and its associated health risks. The objectives of this study were to determine the heavy metal concentrations in dried fish from different regions of India, assess daily heavy metal intake through dried fish consumption, and evaluate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. Subsequently, 111 dried fish samples from Guwahati-Assam, Mumbai, Karad-Maharashtra, and Goa were analyzed for eight selected heavy metals using a validated inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method results indicated varying contamination levels across locations, with As being the most abundant heavy metal. In Maharashtra and Assam, the heavy metal load in dried fish was as follows: As > Cr > Ni > V > Cd > Pb > Co > Hg. For Goa, the order was As > Cr > Ni > V > Cd > Co > Pb > Hg. Dietary exposure assessments revealed varying levels of exposure between adults and children, with As and Cd posing higher risks to children. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values for all metals were within acceptable limit of one. Health risk assessments revealed generally low hazard levels for adults, but higher risks for children, particularly at higher percentiles. Furthermore, As was identified as posing a medium risk of cancer. In essence, this research emphasizes the necessity for strict monitoring and regulations with the aim of controlling health hazards related to heavy metal pollution in food sources.