Determination of heavy metal concentrations in Pelophylax ridibundus (Marsh Frog) and risk assessment

In this study, it was aimed to determine the heavy metal levels in hind limb and liver tissues of individuals belonging to the Pelophylax ridibundus species that can be consumed as food and to investigate the possible effects on human health. In this context, water and sediment samples were collected from frogs and their habitats in 15 different stations belonging to the provinces of Artvin, Rize, Trabzon, Giresun and Ordu. In the water samples pH, temperature, improved conductivity and air were analyzed with a multimeter portable device in the study area. According to the statistical analysis, no significant difference was found between the locations (p> 0.05). Edible tissues (2 hind limbs) of the sampled P. ridibundus (Marsh frog) were broken down with HNO3 and H2O2, and the essential (Cu, Cr and Zn) and non-essential metal and metalloid (As, Cd and Pb) concentrations were determined by ICP-MS. and by comparing the determined concentrations with toxicological limit values such as ProvisionalTolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI), Target Risk Coefficient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI), potential risks for human health were evaluated. The results showed that it did not exceed the maximum risk limit (THQ and HI <1)and that its edible tissues did not have a potential carcinogenic health risk in terms of human health.