Health Risk Assessment of Liza parsia Fish Lipids: Heavy metals and DDTs contaminations

Background: Fish is a source of nutrition; however, toxic substances and heavy metals may enter human body due to consuming contaminated fish. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of heavy metals and DDTs in Liza parsia, a fish species, and assess the health risk of the contaminants in the fish samples.  Methods: The extracted fish lipid was added with n-hexane and H2SO4 and was kept for long time. The upper organic part was collected for the analysis of DDTs by gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector. The fish samples were homogenized by wet digestion method, and the heavy metal contents were analyzed, using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The health risks of the fish samples were assessed based on target hazard quotient and target cancer risk. Results: The pesticide contents of DDT, DDD, DDE and DDTs in the fish samples were 0.0414, 0.000253, 0.015 and 0.0567ng/g, respectively. Also, the mean concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn were 35.42±10.05, 318.75±242.45, 41.67±4.78 and 281.25±5.42 mg/Kg, respectively. Of note, the Cd and Pb contents were below the detection limits. The concentrations of other heavy metals were above the reference limits, which can cause various disease processes. Conclusions: The contents of four heavy metals and DDTs in the samples were above the limits. The main sources of these substances are likely due to human anthropogenic activities. Fish and other edible aquatic animals should be monitored regularly and the heavy metal levels be determined and declared to the public.