Pavithra J. and Fauzia Ahmed
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution in marine ecosystems is a global food safety concern due to the persistence and bioaccumulation of toxic elements in the food chain. This study evaluated concentrations of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Chromium (Cr) in dried Anchovy (Stolephorus indicus), Ribbon fish (Trichiurus lepturus), and King fish (Scomberomorus commerson) from two contrasting coastal sites in Chennai: Ennore and Pattinapakkam. Heavy metals were quantified using UV-Visible spectrophotometry. Results indicated that Pb was the most prevalent contaminant, with Pattinapakkam samples showing higher concentrations (up to 4.98 mg/kg in Anchovy). Health risk assessments revealed that Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values for Pb and Cd significantly exceeded international safety thresholds (FAO/WHO), with Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) well above 1, indicating substantial non-carcinogenic health risks. Oxidative stress markers confirmed significant cellular damage and species-specific antioxidant responses to metal exposure.