Heavy Metals Concentration in Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) from the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast and Potential Human Health Risk Assessment

Due to their toxicity, long persistence, bioaccumulative nature, and biomagnification in the food chain, heavy metals pose a serious hazard. The aim of this study was evaluate health risks associated with consumption Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) spatiotemporal dynamics four potentially toxic metallic elements. Three hundred sixty specimens sardine were collected between December 2020 October 2021 at three Mediterranean coast sites, Beni-Ensar, Ras el Ma, El-Houceima, northeast region Morocco. elements evaluated by assessing contamination level cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) muscle, liver, gills from Moroccan coast. results showed significant effect area, organ, season ( p > 0.05 ) on metal levels. Regardless location season, liver presents higher concentration studied id="M2"> < ). highest concentrations Cd (0.408 μg·g−1 wet weight (ww)), Hg (0.044 ww), As (6.74 ww) found winter while Pb autumn (0.056 ww). Furthermore, lowest levels spring. El-Houceima contains values for (0.093 (0.018 (7.73 However, (0.172 recorded Beni-Ensar. Regarding assessment possible human health, that indices are below established safety case estimated weekly intake, target hazard quotient (THQ). In contrast, carcinogenic risk index total THQ above threshold limits thus represented potential health.