Distribution and health risk assessment of heavy metals in the octopus (Octopus hubbsorum) in the Mexican Pacific

Abstract

Heavy metal (HM) concentrations in coastal marine species and the health risks (HR) for the consumption of these resources remain relatively unknown. We determined the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in the arm and mantle tissues of 150 Octopus hubbsorum specimens collected from seven sites in the Mexican Pacific in 2021. Samples were processed by microwave-assisted acid digestion, and concentrations were determined by anodic stripping voltammetry. The HR for adults and children exposed to HM through the consumption of O. hubbsorum was determined by the hazard quotient (HQ) and risk index (HI). Five HM were found in all samples. The concentrations followed the order of Zn > Cu > Cd > Pb > Hg, with most sites exhibiting Cd and Pb concentrations above the maximum permissible limit (MPL) established by national and international standards. However, the values of HQ and HI did not exceed one (<1) for any heavy metal, indicating that there is no HR due to consuming octopus. Nonetheless, O. hubbsorum exhibited concentrations of some HM above the MPL; therefore, caution should be taken when consuming this species considering the additive and/or potentiation effect that could occur, especially in coastal communities where consumption is higher.