Does Eating Fish Cause Cancer? A Case Study Metal Accumulation in Mackerel and Sardine Tissues from Iskenderun Bay, Türkiye

Abstract Due to the increasing harmful effects of metals(loid)s over time, it has become an important issue in environmental studies carried out to increase environmental awareness. It is important to investigate the cumulative presence of metals in nature, their interactions with each other and the risks posed by fish consumption for human health. Total concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in muscle and gill tissues of sardine and horse mackerel. Fe and Zn concentrations were the highest and Cd, Cu and Pb concentrations were the lowest. Target hazard coefficient, estimated daily intake, target cancer risk, total target hazard coefficient and hazard indices were calculated to assess the risks to an individual's health from consuming fish. Hazard index and total target hazard coefficient values calculated for each fish exceeded 1 but were very close to 1. Target cancer risk values of As and Ni were found to be 10 -6 and 10 -4 for Pb. These limit values indicate the need for regular monitoring of the region. In addition, the interactions between the metals accumulated in the tissues were analysed and a high correlation was found between As-Ni, which poses a risk to public health.