ESTIMATION OF TARGET HAZARD QUOTIENT (THQ) FOR HEAVY METAL BY CONSUMPTION OF SOME FISH SPECIES IN QUANG BINH

Abstract

Three fish species (Gerres filamentosus, Mugil cephalus, and Sillago sihama) were randomly collected in commercial catches at local markets in Quang Binh from July to September 2018. The dorsal muscle was dissected and analyzed for their Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Zinc (Zn) contents by the flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS) by PerkinElmer AAnalyst 800. The mean concentration of Cd, Pb, and Zn in muscles of Gerres filamentosus were 0.011; 0.125 and 1.917, respectively (µg/g d.w). Content in muscles of Mugil cephalus were 0.032; 0.124 and 1.308, respectively (µg/g d.w). Content in muscles of Sillago sihama were 0.014; 0.121 and 1.251, respectively (µg/g d.w). A health risk analysis based on target hazard quotient (THQ) estimated for consumptions. THQ values over 1 were not observed through the consumption of fish. Total THQ values of heavy metals in Gerres filamentosus, Mugil cephalus, and Sillago sihama for typically exposed individuals were 0.056; 0.078 and 0.056, respectively; Maximally exposed individuals were 0.113; 0.156 và 0.112, respectively. The result showed that the health risk associated with exposure to these 3 heavy metals was insignificant.