Unveiling the nutritional value and potentially toxic elements in fish species from Miliç Wetland, Türkiye: A probabilistic human health risk assessment using Monte Carlo simulation

Yüksel B., Ustaoğlu F., Topaldemir H., Yazman M. M., TOKATLI C.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, vol.211, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 211
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117417
  • Journal Name: Marine Pollution Bulletin
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Artic & Antarctic Regions, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Dietary content, Evaluation of health risks, Metal bioaccumulation, Monte Carlo simulations, Muscular tissue of fish
  • Trakya University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study evaluates the nutritional value and health risks of fish from Miliç Wetland, Türkiye, focusing on potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Esox lucius, Squalius cephalus, and Carassius gibelio. Using ICP-MS, mean PTE concentrations were determined, including Zn (4979 μg/kg), Fe (4241 μg/kg), and As (125 μg/kg). Macro elements like K, P, and Ca were also assessed for nutritional profiling. A Monte Carlo-based risk assessment confirmed that PTE levels were below safety limits, indicating safe consumption. Chemometric techniques (PCA, PCC, HCA) helped trace contamination sources, identifying residential, agricultural, and lithogenic inputs. Esox lucius showed the highest essential nutrient levels. This research highlights the importance of combining chemometric analysis with regular monitoring for food safety and public health protection.