Evaluation of some element levels in fishermen's hair samples

Objective: Marine pollution is gradually increasing and some toxic substances accumulate in the tissues of organisms living in these waters and it may pose health threats for individuals consuming seafood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of 15 elements (antimony, arsenic, copper, mercury, zinc, iron, silver, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, nickel, selenium, strontium and vanadium) in hair samples taken from fishermen who frequently consume seafood and control group that consume seafood less frequently. Material-Method: This descriptive study was conducted between July 2017 and January 2020 in İstanbul, Kocaeli, Tekirdağ and Yalova provinces. 263 fishermen and 89 controls were included in the study. A questionnaire was applied to the participants and hair samples were taken. Element levels were evaluated by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) in hair samples. Results: It was determined that strontium levels in Istanbul province; antimony, arsenic, copper, zinc, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, nickel, selenium, strontium, vanadium levels in Kocaeli province; iron levels in Tekirdağ province were higher in the fisherman group compared to the control group, and there was no increase in the level of elements in the fisherman group in Yalova province. Conclusion: Individuals who consume seafood frequently face an increased burden in terms of some elements. The seas should be evaluated in terms of pollution, especially in areas and elements with risk, and necessary measures should be taken to reduce pollution. Regular evaluation of element levels in seafood and in people who consume these seafood frequently would be beneficial.