# ICP-MS-based quantitative analysis and risk assessment of metal(loid)s in fish species from Chennai, India

## TL;DR

This study analyzed heavy metal levels in fish from Chennai, India, finding safe but concerning concentrations that highlight the need for monitoring.

## Contribution

The study provides new heavy metal concentration data for three fish species in Chennai and assesses health risks using a Hazard Index.

## Key findings

- Oreochromis mossambicus muscle tissue showed the highest Chromium concentration at 12.399 μg/kg.
- Hazard Index values were below 1, indicating safe consumption levels for both children and adults.
- Chromium and Lead concentrations were the highest among the analyzed heavy metals.

## Abstract

Presence of heavy metal pollutants indicates an alarming situation that disrupts marine trophic dynamics, presenting substantial threats to fish populations and ultimately affecting human societies that depend on these aquatic resources for sustainable nutrition.

The present study focused on three fish species from Chennai (Tamil Nadu, India), namely Nemipterus japonicus, Oreochromis mossambicus, and Lates calcarifer. Heavy metal profiling was conducted on organs such as liver, gills, and muscle tissue. ICP-MS was utilized to determine the concentrations of heavy metals.

Upon analysis of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Strontium (Sr), and Vanadium (V), the concentration ranges (dry weight) were observed as 0.044–0.096 μg/kg, 0.696–0.778 μg/kg, 5.259–12.399 μg/kg, 0.020–0.660 μg/kg, 15.400–17.649 μg/kg, 1.068–15.200 μg/kg, and 0.150–1.208 μg/kg, respectively, across the three fish species. The muscle tissues of Oreochromis mossambicus exhibited the highest heavy metal contamination, particularly due to its elevated Chromium (Cr) concentration of 12.399 μg/kg.

Oreochromis mossambicus recorded the highest Hazard Index (HI) in both children (0.238) and adults (0.136). However, the HQ and HI values were < 1, suggesting that consumption of these fish species remains within a safe limit regarding heavy metal contamination. These findings underscore the need for strict monitoring and regulatory measures to reduce further heavy metal contamination in seafood.