Abstract
Heavy metal pollution in the coastal areas is a widespread environmental problem that may threaten seafood safety. This study aimed to determine Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations in the gill, liver, and muscle tissues of marketed Liza aurata and to evaluate the potential health risks for consumers. Fish samples were seasonally collected during 2017–2018 from the Urla coast of Izmir Bay. Metal concentrations in all tissues followed the order Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. Consumer health risks were assessed using estimated weekly intake (EWI), estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (ΣTHQ), and CR indices. The EWI values for Cu and Zn were within safe limits, whereas Cd exceeded the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) based on a 70 kg adult in both years. THQ values for all metals were below 1, and ΣTHQ values were 0.144 in 2017 and 0.182 in 2018, indicating no non-carcinogenic risk from consumption. In addition, CR values for Cd and Pb were acceptable according to US EPA guidelines. Pb levels approached the 1 × 10−6 threshold, indicating negligible risk, while Cd showed low acceptable risk between 1 × 10−6 and 1 × 10−4. Overall, the results suggest that L. aurata can be considered a useful bioindicator species for monitoring heavy metal pollution in Izmir Bay.