An evaluation of target hazard quotation of mercury and arsenic in four commercially fish species of the Oman Sea, Iran

Increasing the presence of mercury (Hg) and Arsenic (As) in aquatic ecosystems as two unnecessary and dangerous elements in the environment has raised many concerns worldwide. This research aimed to evaluate associated risks of Hg and As in four fish species (Lethrinus crocineus, Otolithes ruber, Rhabdosargus haffara, and Epinephelus coioides) that are generally consumed by the people residents on the Coast of the Oman Sea in Iran. The maximum of the mean Hg and As concentrations were 0.38 ± 0.014 and 0.94 ± 0.124 μg g-1 wet weight (ww) for Orange- spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides), respectively. Target hazard quotient (THQ) values of Hg for Epinephelus coioides and Tiger tooth croaker (Otolithes ruber) were higher than 1 for children and adult groups, but all THQ values of As were below one. The lifetime cancer risk (CR) for inorganic As was above 10-5. Estimation of health risks of Hg and As showed that there are no consumption limits for children and adults due to the amount of As in fish tissue, but the consumption of Epinephelus coioides and Otolithes ruber for both children and adult groups indicated the potential risk for them.