Volume 29, Issue 5 (Iran South Med J 2026)
Iran South Med J 2026, 29(5): 285-318 |
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Kazeruni M, Khalifeh T, Mohebbi G, Maryamabadi A, Emami M. Pollution Characterization, Toxicological Evaluation, and Health Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocar-bons and Heavy Metals in Tiger Cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) Marketed in Bushehr, Iran. Iran South Med J 2026; 29 (5) :285-318
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2673-en.html
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2673-en.html
Mohammad Kazeruni1 
, Tahereh Khalifeh1 , Gholamhossein Mohebbi *2 , Ammar Maryamabadi1 , Mohammd Emami3
, Tahereh Khalifeh1 , Gholamhossein Mohebbi *2 , Ammar Maryamabadi1 , Mohammd Emami3
1- Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
2- Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran ,Mohebbihsn@bpums.ac.ir
3- Central Research Laboratory, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2- Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran ,
3- Central Research Laboratory, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract: (29 Views)
Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals, due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicological effects, are among the major contaminants threatening marine ecosystems and human health. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of heavy metals and PAHs in tiger cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) marketed in Bushehr, Iran, and to simultaneously evaluate the ecological and human health risks associated with dietary exposure to these contaminants.
Materials and Methods: A total of 30 samples were collected for heavy metal analysis and 12 samples for PAHs determination from cuttlefish distribution centers in Bushehr. Heavy metals were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after sample preparation, while PAHs were extracted using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) and determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Risk assessment was performed using the following indices: risk quotient (RQ), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR).
Results: The PAH profile was characterized predominantly by low molecular weight compounds. The calculated RQ_NCs values for naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and chrysene were higher than 1.0, indicating potential adverse ecological effects of these compounds. Concentrations of lead, arsenic, and mercury exceeded some international guideline limits, with lead showing the highest RQ value among the investigated metals. However, THQ and HI values for heavy metals were below 1.0, and the ILCR associated with PAHs remained within the acceptable risk threshold. Furthermore, charcoal grilling altered the PAH profile and increased the concentrations of certain higher molecular weight compounds.
Conclusion: Although no significant human health risk was identified under the defined exposure scenario, the presence of compounds with ecological toxicity potential, cooking-induced alterations in contaminant profiles, and the importance of cuttlefish in the marine food chain highlight the necessity of continuous contaminant monitoring. It is also essential to control pollution sources, and consider food preparation methods in Bushehr to ensure long-term ecological and public health safety.
Materials and Methods: A total of 30 samples were collected for heavy metal analysis and 12 samples for PAHs determination from cuttlefish distribution centers in Bushehr. Heavy metals were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after sample preparation, while PAHs were extracted using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) and determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Risk assessment was performed using the following indices: risk quotient (RQ), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR).
Results: The PAH profile was characterized predominantly by low molecular weight compounds. The calculated RQ_NCs values for naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and chrysene were higher than 1.0, indicating potential adverse ecological effects of these compounds. Concentrations of lead, arsenic, and mercury exceeded some international guideline limits, with lead showing the highest RQ value among the investigated metals. However, THQ and HI values for heavy metals were below 1.0, and the ILCR associated with PAHs remained within the acceptable risk threshold. Furthermore, charcoal grilling altered the PAH profile and increased the concentrations of certain higher molecular weight compounds.
Conclusion: Although no significant human health risk was identified under the defined exposure scenario, the presence of compounds with ecological toxicity potential, cooking-induced alterations in contaminant profiles, and the importance of cuttlefish in the marine food chain highlight the necessity of continuous contaminant monitoring. It is also essential to control pollution sources, and consider food preparation methods in Bushehr to ensure long-term ecological and public health safety.
Keywords: Tiger cuttlefish, Heavy Metals, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Risk Assessment, Persian Gulf
Original: Original |
Subject:
Toxicology
Received: 2026/06/9 | Accepted: 2026/08/11 | Published: 2026/10/21
Received: 2026/06/9 | Accepted: 2026/08/11 | Published: 2026/10/21
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