Trace element concentrations in two coral reef fish species, El-Shaour fish (Lethrinus nebulosus) and El-Hareed fish (Chlorurus sordidus): A study of contamination degree, environmental and health risks

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the concentrations of 12 elements in two fish species, El-Shaour and El-Hareed, from the Egyptian Red Sea, using an inductively coupled plasma device, and to assess the impact of different processing methods (freezing, frying, and microwaving) on these elements. Additionally, the contamination degree and their environmental and health impacts were computed using various indices. Results show that the element concentrations across all processing methods for both species were below the permitted limits, and the highest values of the measured elements were recorded for aluminium, which varied from 50.18 ± 6.23 mg/kg ww-b in El-Shaour fish to 53.13 ± 6.03 mg/kg ww-b in El-Hareed fish, while the lowest values were for cadmium, with concentrations ranging between 0.04 ± 0.01 mg/kg ww-b in El-Shaour fish and 0.23 ± 0.07 mg/kg ww-b in El-Hareed fish. Different processing methods (freezing, frying, and microwaving) demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness in reducing element concentrations. According to the elements concentrations and indices of health and environmental risks, the results confirm that the studied fish and their processing forms do not present a major threat to health or the environment. Nonetheless, continuous monitoring of these elements and ongoing risk assessment should be part of a sustainable strategy to ensure environmental and public health safety.