Comparison of trace element concentrations in freshwater fish and marine fish consumed in Shandong Province, China, and their potential risks to human health

Highlights: • Concentrations of ten trace elements were determined in four freshwater fish species and six marine fish. • More concentrations of As, Se, Cd and Pb were detected in the marine fish. • Consumption of fish was safe for the human health. • Attention should be paid to the chromium in freshwater fish and arsenic in marine fish. This study provides the primary data of ten trace element concentrations from four highly consumed cultured freshwater fish species in comparison to six marine fish collected from markets of the Shandong province, China, and evaluates the potential human health risks from consuming these fish. A significant difference in five metal concentrations (Cr, As, Se, Cd, Pb) was found between freshwater and marine fish. With the exception of chromium, the other four element contents in marine fish were higher than those in freshwater fish. According to estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ), and the permissible safety limits prescribed by various agencies, consumption of the examined fish species is safe for human health. However, chromium in freshwater fish and arsenic in marine fish should still be a cause for concern in terms of human health, especially for fisher folk communities and populations that frequently consume fish.