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Assessment of occurrence and health risks of trace elements in the Japanese mackerel; Scomber japonicus; from the Northwest Pacific Ocean
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刘
J
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H
DOI：10.3389/fenvs.2026.1869464.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Trace element contamination in marine fish has raised increasing concerns regarding food safety and human health. This study investigated the occurrence; distribution; and potential health risks of thirteen trace elements (Ti; Cr; Mn; Fe; Co; Cu; Zn; As; Se; Sr; Mo; Cd; and Pb) in the muscle tissues of Japanese mackerel (Scomber japonicus) collected from the Northwest Pacific Ocean. The mean concentrations (mg kg-1; wet weight) followed the order: Fe(16.3 ± 69.2)>Zn(9.76 ± 14.9)>Sr(9.76 ± 14.9)>Cu(4.88 ± 43.3)>Mn(1.11 ± 0.23)>As(1.02 ± 0.07)>Se(0.70 ± 60.7)>Cr=Pb(0.09 ± 0.02)> Ti(0.07 ± 0.01)> Cd(0.03 ± 0.00)>Mo(0.02 ± 0.00)>Co(0.01 ± 0.00); indicating relatively low contamination compared with global levels reported for similar pelagic species. Most elements showed significant negative correlations with body size (p < 0.001); suggesting a growth dilution effect. Source apportionment using principal component analysis (PCA) identified two major pathways: dietary intake (Fe; Zn; Mn; Cd; Mo; and Cr) and direct uptake from seawater (As; Se; and Cu). Significant antagonistic relationships between Se and Mo; Cr; and Mn (p < 0.05) suggested potential interactions affecting element bioavailability and toxicity. Health risk assessments based on single factor index (SFI); metal pollution index (MPI); and carcinogenic risk models indicated that; although total arsenic concentrations exceeded FAO limits; the predominance of organic arsenic forms reduces potential toxicity. Overall; both individual and combined exposure assessments suggested no significant non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic risks associated with the consumption of S. japonicus. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of trace element exposure through marine fish consumption and contributes to improved risk assessment and management of seafood safety.
Keywords:
trace elements
health risk
occurrence
Northwest Pacific ocean
Scomberes japonicus
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