Health Risks Status for Two Seaweeds of Economic Interest in Northwest Africa
2025
Bousso, Ndeye Coumba | Brehmer, Patrice | Kane, Cheikhou | Quack, Birgit | Ndiaye, Waly | Diadhiou, Hamet Diaw | Diedhiou, Fulgence | Waeles, Mathieu
Seaweeds hold significant potential for human nutrition due to its high content of essential minerals and trace elements. In Africa, the development of the blue economy promotes their sustainable exploitation. However, harmful elements such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) can accumulate in seaweeds, posing potential health risks upon consumption. Meristotheca senegalensis and Hypnea musciformis, two seaweeds of economic interest in Senegal, were collected in various locations, and their concentrations of essential nutrients, heavy metals, and transition metals were analyzed. Notably, cadmium levels in all samples exceeded established toxicity thresholds. A health risk assessment was performed, evaluating non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks through estimated daily intakes, target hazard quotients, hazard indexes, and carcinogenic risks. For adults, a low daily intake of seaweed (0.1 g day-1) posed no significant health risk over long-term exposure. High (8 g day-1) and medium (4 g day-1) daily intake levels posed no risk for adults and children, respectively, over 6-month exposure. In addition, seaweed represents a valuable iron source for preventing deficiency in Senegalese populations. Such intake levels could be incorporated into agro-food products for trace element enrichment. Nevertheless, for children, site-specific selection is critical to avoid carcinogenic risks over prolonged exposure. Seaweed offers a valuable opportunity for addressing food and nutrition security as well as promoting economic growth within Africa’s blue economy. However, careful scientific evaluation, particularly regarding site selection, is essential to ensure safe and sustainable uses, especially in countries like those in Africa, where marine pollution monitoring is often limited.
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