Abstract
This study evaluates the accumulation of trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in the muscle tissues of six commercially important fish species (Scophthalmus maximus, Merlangius merlangus, Mullus ponticus, Trachurus mediterraneus, Engraulis encrasicolus, and Sprattus sprattus) harvested from multiple locations across the Sinop and Samsun coasts of the southern Black Sea during the 2023–2025 fishing seasons to assess potential human health risks. Element concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and compared against national and international food safety standards. Results indicated that essential elements, particularly Fe and Zn, exhibited the highest concentrations, while Co and potentially toxic elements (Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) remained at lower levels. Although significant geographical variations in accumulation were observed between sampling locations, inter-species differences were relatively minor. Human health risk assessments, including Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR), revealed that all THQ values were well below 1, indicating no non-carcinogenic concerns. Furthermore, CR values for As, Cr, and Pb fell within the acceptable range (10−6 to 10−4) defined by the U.S. EPA. Consequently, fish consumption from these regions poses no unacceptable risk, though localized element elevations suggest a need for enhanced environmental monitoring of pollution sources.