Biochemical parameters of pike-perch muscles from the Rybinsk reservoir and risk assessment of their consumption

Abstract

Fish, as a food component, is very beneficial for human health. It is rich in protein, valuable fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. However, when consuming it, there is a risk of toxic substances entering the human body that ac-cumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms, for example, heavy metals. The purpose of the work is to determine the biochemical parameters in the muscles of pike perch from the reaches of the Rybinsk reservoir, which differ in anthropogenic load, and to assess the risks of human consumption of this species. The amount of water, dry matter, lipids, protein, minerals and carbohydrates in muscle tissue was determined using standard methods. To assess the threat to human health associated with the potential duration of exposure to heavy metals from walleye consumption, target and cumulative hazard ratios were calculated. The assessment of carcinogenic risk to human health was determined using the target and general cancer risk index. Calculated indicators were obtained based on data on the content of heavy metals in the muscles of pike perch, established earlier. In the muscles of pike perch specimens from the Sheksninsky and Volzhsky reaches, no significant differences between biochemical parameters were found. According to the ratio of protein and lipids in muscle tissue, the studied individuals belong to category A, and according to the amount of lipids – to fish with a low-fat content. The estimated dietary intakes for weekly intakes of heavy metals from pike perch meat was below the reference values. The target and total hazard coefficient turned out to be less than one, which indicates that there is no potential non-carcinogenic risk for humans when consuming pike perch meat. The target cancer risk indices for Cd, Pb, Al and Cr are within acceptable ranges. The total risk of developing cancer for these metals is more than 1 in 100,000.