Abstract

In this study the concentration of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn in muscle and liver tissues was compared between four estuarine fish species (Centropomus parallelus, Genidens genidens, Diapterus rhombeus, and Mugil liza) to assess contamination levels and the influence of eating habits on metal distribution and human health risk by consumption. In general, liver tissue showed higher metal contents than muscle. Between metals, Fe and Zn contents were relatively higher for both tissues in all analyzed populations. Based on the observations, the variability of metal levels between species is associated with their transfer from the contaminated sediments, where diet habits associated with the substrate result in higher metal accumulation in fish, exerting great influence than bioaccumulation by trophic level. The estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotients (THQ) and the total target hazard quotients (TTHQ ), below 1 for all metals on muscle tissues, are suggested the absence of health hazard for the human population. However, high levels of Pb and Zn in liver tissue may endanger predators.

Keywords: contamination, estuaries, fish, metal, risk assessment
