Evaluation of some processed seafood products sold in Adana province markets in terms of heavy metals

In this study, macro, micro and toxic metal levels were determined in samples collected from processed seafood (11 frozen, 6 canned, 5 smoked, 3 marinated, 2 paste and 2 caviar) sold in the Adana province market. Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr, As, Cd, Pb, Hg levels in the samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In this study, Ca content was found to be in the range of 180-50830 mg/kg, Mg content in the range of 160-3490 mg/kg, K content in the range of 1000-23520 mg/kg and Na content in the range of 4880-76820 mg/kg, and it was observed that processed seafood was generally a good source of macro elements. The levels of micronutrients examined in the research groups, Fe (0.48-106 mg/kg), Cu (0.06-8.34 mg/kg), Mn (0.11-2.44 mg/kg), Ni (0.18-3.40 mg/kg), did not exceed the temporary tolerable weekly intake limit. The Cr content detected only in 6 groups was in the range of 0.01-2.00 mg/kg. The Zn content detected in 10 of the examined groups was in the range of 1.00-84.50 mg/kg, 4 of which (K1, E1, E2 and H1) exceeded the Zn limit (50 mg/kg) permitted by the Turkish Food Codex (TFC) on muscle tissue of fish. The inorganic form of the toxic element As (3% of the total concentration of As) was in the range of 0.18-24.3 mg/kg. The Cd level detected in 7 research groups was in the range of 0.02-0.64 mg/kg and did not exceed 1 mg/kg, which is the limit value according to the regulations of TFC contaminants. Similarly, Pb concentrations observed in three samples (0.03-0.22 mg/kg) were also within the TFC limits. The highest Hg content was determined as 0.21±0.01 mg/kg in D11 (frozen mixed seafood) group, 0.20±0.01 mg/kg in D6 (frozen mixed seafood) group and 0.20±0.01 mg/kg in K6 (canned lakerda) group. Except for these groups, it was determined that the Hg level was in the range of 0.02-0.09 mg/kg and did not exceed the limit values determined for fish, crustaceans and mollusks (0.50 mg/kg and 0.30 mg/kg, respectively) in TFC. It was determined that the estimated weekly intake (EWI), target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) values considered in terms of consumer health risk assessments did not pose a risk to public health. However, according to the assessment of the non-carcinogenic safe consumption limit (Clim), it may be recommended to limit the consumption of group K2 in terms of Cr content, and groups D6, D11 and K6 in terms of Hg content to approximately 230 g for adults and 100 g for children per week. Consequently, more stringent monitoring of processed seafood products on the market is important when considering heavy metals. Keywords: Macronutrients, micronutrients, heavy metals, fish, seafood