Assessing heavy metal risks from consumption of Lethrinus harak In Msimbazi Bay, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
2025
Magoto, James Alfred | Mohammed, Salim Mzee | Nkukura, Emmanuel Magesa | Matata, Joseph Steven | Yahya, Saleh
Heavy metal contamination in marine ecosystems poses significant risks to marine fish and humans consuming these fish resources. This study investigates the potential human health risks associated with the consumption of heavy metal-contaminated marine fish(Lethrinus harak), a commercially significant species from Msimbazi Bay, Dar es Salaam. Heavy metal concentrations in fish tissues (liver, gills, muscle and kidney) were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The potential human health risks wereassessed using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), and Hazard Index (HI). The results showed that the concentration levels of heavy metals in muscle tissues as edible parts were: Zn (0.89 ± 0.18 μgg-1) > Pb (0.18 ± 0.09 μgg-1) > Cr (0.1 ± 0.04 μgg-1) > Cadmium - Cd (0.05 ± 0.012 μgg-1), and were below the tolerable limits set by FAO and WHO. THQ and EDI values were within the tolerable ranges, with calculated values of less than 1. However, Cr and Cd exhibit the highest THQs (0.2176 and 0.0653, respectively), suggesting that these two metals are of relatively greater concern in the area. In general, the results indicated that the heavy metal concentrations in fish tissues were below the permissible limits established by the FAO and WHO, highlighting no potential human health risks to the population consuming L. harak in Dar es Salaam. Therefore, continuous monitoring and mitigation strategies are necessary to protect both marine fish and public health.
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