Risk assessment of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb via the consumption of seafood in Haikou

In order to mitigate the risk of excessive heavy metal intake, a study was conducted to assess the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) contamination in 23 edible seafood species obtained from markets in Haikou. The findings were analyzed to evaluate the potential health hazards posed to the local population through consumption. The metals were detected via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for quantification. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks in humans were assessed via target hazard quotient (THQ), combined target hazard quotient (CTHQ), and target cancer risk (TR). The results indicated that the rank order based on the median metal concentration was As > Cd > Cr > Pb. THQ and CTHQ showed that nine seafood species posed a non-carcinogenic risk regarding from As and Cd consumption separately, or the four targeted metals ingestion together. TR assessment indicated that the InAs in all the species presented a carcinogenic risk to coastal residents. The Cd content in bivalves, algae, and several crustacean (Mantis Shrimp, Orchid Crab, Red spot Swimming Crab) and fish species (Japanese Scad, Pacific Saury), and Cr levels in most bivalve species (Razor Clams, White Clams, Fan Shells, Oysters, Blood Clams) presented a carcinogenic risk. The As, Cd, Pb, and Cr levels of seafood in Haikou were assessed species presented a potential health risk. Necessitating stricter risk should be management and detection capability and monitoring will be improved.