Quantification of Heavy Metals in Marketed Fish from Tripoli, Libya and Evaluation of Health Risks via EDI And THQ

Abstract

This study evaluated the potential human health risks associated with arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, and selenium in commonly consumed fish species from Tripoli, Libya. Eight commercially important species were analyzed, including Mullus surmuletus, Scomber japonicus, Euthynnus alletteratus, Pagrus pagrus, Mycteroperca rubra, Saurida undosquamis, Epinephelus marginatus, and Sardina pilchardus. The results indicated that the concentrations of most investigated metals were within internationally recognized safety limits. Estimated weekly intake values for the majority of species were below provisional tolerable intake thresholds, suggesting that current consumption patterns do not pose significant health risks. However, cadmium exposure from Euthynnus alletteratus exceeded recommended limits, while Scomber japonicus approached the threshold, highlighting species-specific concerns. In contrast, arsenic and lead exposures remained within acceptable limits across all samples. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment, based on the target hazard quotient, yielded values below the critical threshold for all metals, indicating negligible risk to consumers. Overall, these findings demonstrate that fish consumption in Tripoli is generally safe. Nevertheless, continued monitoring of heavy metal contamination, particularly cadmium and lead, is essential to ensure long-term food safety and support evidence-based dietary recommendations.