Health Risk Assessment of Metals via Consumption of Rapa Whelk (Rapana venosa) from the Black Sea

The present study investigated the bioaccumulation of metals in raw, heat treated-and sterilized Rapa whelk, and evaluated the consumer risks for human consumption. All of the metals, with the exception of Mn, were found to be lower than the permissible FAO standards. A remarkable amount of metal was released into the boiling water (Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, Sb, Se, Zn) after heat treatment and hypochlorite solution (Al, As, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Se, Zn). After sterilization, the levels for As, Mo, Cd, Sb, Cr, Zn, Se, Cu, and Hg in Rapa whelk were reduced by 47.4%, 40.1%, 24.9%, 20.3%, 17.5%, 4.5%, 3.6%, 0.93%, and 0.68%, respectively. The metals in Rapa whelk exposed to hypochlorite immersion were found to be below permissible upper limits. The target hazard quotients for the non- carcinogenic risks of consuming sterilized Rapa whelk were below "1" (THQ<1), showing "no potential health risks" for adult men, women and children when consuming sterilized Rapa whelk. Indeed, Rapa whelk could be a good source of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn to meet the daily recommended quantities in food, when consumed regularly. However, the cancer risks of As, Cd, Ni, and Pb proved to be over "acceptable levels"; hence, the safe consumption limits determined in this study are advisable when consuming Rapa whelk.