). Fish samples were collected from two locations in the southern Caspian Sea: the Amirabad and Babolsar stations. The concentrations of metals, along with the total levels of EPA and DHA, were then used to calculate health risk assessment indices and the benefit - risk index. The findings showed that the concentrations of Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Arsenic (As), and Manganese (Mn) exceeded international standards. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for As and Pb was greater than one at both stations. The estimated daily intake (EDI) indicated that As and Pb levels were above the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) in both statins. The carcinogenic risk (CR) index for As, Cr, and Pb was higher than the permissible limit (1 × 10-4) in both stations. The benefit-risk assessment index (HQEFA) for As and Pb exceeded 1 at both stations. In conclusion, given the sampling time limitations, the health risk indices for As and Pb suggest that the health risks may outweigh the nutritional benefits of consuming Kilka fish. Multi-seasonal monitoring is essential for better decision-making on the safe consumption of this fish species.
Danesh et al. (Tue,) studied this question.