Introducing bio-indicator fish of the Persian Gulf based on health risk assessment of 27 commercial species.

BACKGROUND: The increasing consumption of seafood may bring health risks. It will be especially important for the people living along the coasts who are highly dependent on seafood for food and income.

METHODS: In this research, a comprehensive health risk assessment was performed on 27 species of high-consumption commercial fish sampled from stations located in Hormozgan province within the Northeast Persian Gulf. Concentrations of trace metals and their health risk were investigated.

RESULTS: Spatial distribution of trace metals in commercial fish showed central stations including Kong and Greater Tonb have higher concentrations of all trace metals except Pb. Some metals showed a significant correlation between concentrations. Our finding indicated the average concentration of all trace metals except Ni in all species was below the concentrations proposed by WHO/FAO/USEPA. EDI for all metals in all species in both adult and child age groups was lower than its RfD (oral reference dose of trace metal) showing the daily consumption of these fish does not pose any health risk and implicates seafood consumption guidelines or policies. Values of THQ for each metal and HI for all metals were lower than 1 in all commercial fish indicating the lack of non-cancerous health risk through the long-term consumption of these fish. The research found potential health risks associated with the consumption of these fish, specifically related to the metals Cr, Ni, and Cd.

CONCLUSION: In total, health risk indices proposed eight fish as bio-indicator species of the Persian Gulf. The findings emphasize the risk management of commercial fish consumption, especially bio-indicator species, in Hormozgan province, the Northeast Persian Gulf.