Risk Assessment of Toxic Heavy Metal Exposure in Selected Seafood Species from Thailand

Abstract

This study evaluates the risk of toxic heavy metal exposure in 20 commonly consumed seafood species from Thailand, focusing on arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb). Seafood is nutritionally valuable but may accumulate harmful metals due to environmental contamination from industrial, agricultural, and medical sources. Samples were collected from markets in Chonburi, prepared through boiling, frying, and grilling, and analyzed using ICP-MS/MS. Most toxic metal levels were within Thai regulatory limits; however, Wedge shell and Musk crab showed arsenic concentrations exceeding permissible levels. Risk assessment employed hazard quotient and margin of exposure calculations using consumption data stratified by age and cooking methods. Results demonstrated that arsenic presents the highest risk, particularly for children aged 0–5.9 years, with Wedge shell and Musk crab posing significant concerns. Cadmium and mercury generally posed low or no risk across samples, except for isolated high-level cadmium exposure in Wedge shell and occasional mercury concerns. Lead, based on the margin of exposure assessment, showed significant health risk for eater only group. The study concludes that although arsenic contamination in certain seafood species requires careful monitoring and public awareness, other toxic metals—particularly cadmium, mercury, and lead—currently present minimal health risks. Routine surveillance of seafood contaminants is essential to safeguard consumer health, particularly among vulnerable groups.