Heavy metals content in fresh tuna and swordfish caught from Hindian and Pacific Oceans: Health risk assessment of dietary exposure

Research (Published online: 26-04-2023)

25. Heavy metals content in fresh tuna and swordfish caught from Hindian and Pacific Oceans: Health risk assessment of dietary exposure

Adnorita Fandah Oktariani, Putu Eka Sudaryatma, Yan Ramona, I Made Gelgel Wirasuta, Ida Bagus Gede Darmayasa, Putu Angga Wiradana, and Tamaki Okabayashi

Veterinary World, 16(4): 858-868

Adnorita Fandah Oktariani: Doctoral Student of Study Program of Biological Science, Udayana University, Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia.

Putu Eka Sudaryatma: Fish Quarantine Inspection Agency, Denpasar Bali, Kuta Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia.

Yan Ramona: Integrated Laboratory of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Udayana University, Jimbaran, Badung Regency, Bali; Study Program of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Udayana University, Jimbaran, Badung Regency, Bali.

I Made Gelgel Wirasuta: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Udayana University, Jimbaran, Badung Regency, Bali.

Ida Bagus Gede Darmayasa: Study Program of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Udayana University, Jimbaran, Badung Regency, Bali.

Putu Angga Wiradana: Study Program of Biology, Faculty of Health, Science, and Technology, Universitas Dhyana Pura, Bali Province, Indonesia.

Tamaki Okabayashi: Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan; Centre for Animal Diseases Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan.

doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.858-868

Article history: Received: 09-01-2023, Accepted: 17-03-2023, Published online: 26-04-2023

Corresponding authors: Tamaki Okabayashi

E-mail: okbys81@cc.miyazaki-u.ac.jp

Citation: Oktariani AF, Sudaryatma PE, Ramona Y, Wirasuta IMG, Darmayasa IBG, Wiradana PA, and Okabayashi T (2023) Heavy metals content in fresh tuna and swordfish caught from Hindian and Pacific Oceans: Health risk assessment of dietary exposure, Veterinary World, 16(4): 858-868.

Abstract

Background and Aim: Yellowfin tuna and swordfish are seafood commodities commonly caught from deep oceans worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the levels of three heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in yellowfin tuna and swordfish. The results are expected to provide consumers with information on the safety of consuming or exporting these fishes caught in the Hindian and Pacific Oceans.

Materials and Methods: Fresh yellowfin and swordfish were obtained from fishermen’s catches in FAO Fishing Zone 57 (Indian Ocean) and 71 (Pacific Ocean) and then collected at Benoa Harbor, Bali Province. The comparative method was to evaluate the levels of heavy metals in each fish. Furthermore, heavy metal concentrations, including Pb, Cd, and Hg, were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis. These results were then used to assess the safety of these fishes by calculating the estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotients-total target hazard quotients (THQs-TTHQs).

Results: The analysis showed that none of the samples exceeded the threshold levels for the three heavy metals, which was specified by the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) and European Commission Regulation (CR) No. 1881/2006. The EDI and provisional tolerable weekly index (PTWI) obtained in this study were still in the safe range. However, the PTWI values for Pb in yellowfin tuna product from the Indian Ocean were higher (0.0038 mg/kg) compared to the recommended standard for the adult population. The THQ-TTHQ values of fish caught from these oceans were also within the acceptable range specified by the two agencies, indicating that they are safe for consumption by people with various age groups and for export purposes.

Conclusion: The average levels of three heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Hg) in muscle samples of yellowfin tuna and swordfish caught from the Pacific and Hindian Oceans were within the acceptable range as specified by the SNI and CR No. 1881/2006. Furthermore, the EDI and THQs values indicated that fishes caught from the Pacific and Hindian Oceans were safe for consumption. This research is still limited to assessing two capture fisheries commodities. Further research is needed on the assessment of heavy metal levels in other capture fisheries commodities in this capture zone.

Keywords: health risk assessment, heavy metal pollution, seafood products, Tuna.