Heavy metals (lead, arsenic & cadmium) concentration in dried seafood and potential health risk among adults of a fishing village in Malacca

Abstract

The expansion of fishery industry in Malaysia increases the production of seafood products. Dried seafood is one of Malaysians' popular food products and consumed widely as a delicious complementary dish or used as one of the ingredients in many local delicacies. Nowadays, extensive industrial development might cause the contamination to the marine environment and this food may be contaminated with heavy metals due to water sources contamination or cross contamination during processing. This research was conducted to determine the lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) concentration in selected dried seafood and to assess the health risk of adults in a fishing village in Malacca. A total of 121 respondents were randomly recruited based on inclusion criteria and interviewed to obtain socio-demographic information as well as dried seafood frequency intake by using pre- tested questionnaires. Eight samples which consisted of 3 types of dried anchovies, 3 types of dried shrimps and 2 types of dried squids were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) to determine the heavy metals concentrations. Health risks were calculated for Hazard Quotient (HQ) for non-carcinogenic and Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) for carcinogenic health effects. Results showed that heavy metals detected in dried seafood ranged as follows: Cd (25.903 mg/kg) > Pb (3.365 mg/kg) > As (2.374 mg/kg), respectively. Most of the dried seafood samples contained heavy metals which exceeded the Malaysian Food Regulation 1985 permitted level. The calculated health risk due to consumption of selected dried seafood showed that HQ and LCR fell under acceptable risk. Heavy metals were detected in dried seafood in this study which indicated certain levels of contamination to our food sources. Public should be aware for consuming these foods might cause the accumulation of heavy metals in the body and may cause chronic diseases related to them with prolong consumption.