Health Risks Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentration in Cultured Chanos chanos (Bangus) and Scylla serrata (Mudcrab) in Selected Municipalities in Northern Samar
Jaymar L. Erivera
Department of Physical Science, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines, Philippines and Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Philippines.
Ma. Lourdes C. Alvarez
Department of Physical Science, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines, Philippines and Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Philippines.
Tom Jericho L. Abobo
Marine Biology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines, Philippines.
Kristine Rainiel L. Diaz
Graduate School, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Philippines.
May C. Manla
Graduate School, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Philippines and College of Education, Partido State University, Goa, Philippines.
Karina Milagros C. Lim *
Department of Physical Science, College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines, Philippines and Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Philippines and University Research and Development Services, University of Eastern Philippines, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
One of the common problem in fishponds is heavy metal contamination. Though there are some heavy metal elements that are naturally occurring, but due to human activities, their concentration goes beyond what is normal. In this study, health risks analysis using Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Total Hazard Quotient (THQ), Target Cancer Risk (TCR) were done to assess if the quantities of the heavy metals, such as: Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, and Mercury, impose risks to consumer. Arsenic had the highest concentration among all other heavy metals in crab aligue, having 46.83 mg/kg. The consumption of bangus meat may result in an EDI that is greater than PTDI, especially for Arsenic [15.22731-18.10317 μg kg−1 BW d−1]. Similarly, consuming crab aligue may also result to a high EDI for Arsenic [2.48197-5.27841μg kg−1 BW d−1]. THQ was also evaluated as well as the sum of individual heavy metal values which is the Hazard Index (HI) that exceeded to 1 multiple times. In terms of TCR levels, all of the heavy metals exceeded the acceptable limit for cancer risks. Shapiro-Wilk Test had shown non-normal distribution of data for EDI, THQ, and TCR. Spearman’s Correlation Test, meanwhile, suggested that there is a significant relationship between the quantities of heavy metals in bangus meat and crab aligue as well as EDI, THQ, and TCR. In general, based on the health risks assessments (EDI, THQ, and TCR), Arsenic, an established carcinogen, can be the greatest contributor in developing risks and disease, while the varying concentration of Chromium and Cadmium in the samples may also pose risks to consumers. This implies that strict management measures should be implemented to mitigate or lessen the discharge of these heavy metals in the aquatic systems.
Keywords: Heavy metals, health risks, THQ, TCR, EDI, hazard index, aquatic systems, developing risks, food sources, food safety