Evaluation of some element levels in fishermen's nail samples

Objective: Many toxic substances accumulate in seafood due to increased sea pollution and people who consume these seafood may develop serious health problems. This study was carried out to evaluate the levels of 11 elements (arsenic, copper, zinc, mercury, iron, cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, selenium, titanium) in nail samples taken from fishermen who consume fishery products in large quantities and control groups consuming small amount. Material-Method: This descriptive study was conducted between July 2017 and June 2020 in the cities of Istanbul, Kocaeli, Tekirdağ and Yalova, which have a coast on the Marmara Sea. A total of 352 people were included in the study, 263 of whom were fishermen and 89 of them were controls. A questionnaire was applied to the participants who agreed to participate in the study and then nail samples were taken. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was used to analyze the element levels in nail samples. Results: It has been determined that the zinc and iron levels in the nail samples of fishermen are higher than the control group. When the provinces are evaluated separately, selenium in Istanbul; mercury, iron and lead in Kocaeli; Mercury, iron, cadmium, chromium, selenium and titanium in Tekirdag; In Yalova, zinc levels were found higher in the fisherman group compared to the control group. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the arsenic, mercury, iron, cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, selenium and titanium levels in the nail samples of fishermen and the monthly fish consumption. Conclusion: It is pointed out that excessive consumption of water products can lead to an increase in load in terms of some elements in humans. The findings show that the Sea of Marmara should be evaluated in terms of chemical pollution, especially in the regions where there are risks. Measures to be taken in this direction will be helpful in reducing existing pollution and preventing the increase in pollution.