Toxic trace elements in fish and seafood from North African coasts: A systematic review and meta-analysis of contamination levels and health risk assessment.
Regul Toxicol PharmacolJun 5, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPreventive Medicine / Public Health
Amir Nahal, Fetta Mehouel
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed contamination levels of toxic trace elements in fish and seafood from North African coasts. Analyzing 45 studies, the pooled mean concentrations were found to be arsenic (3.81 mg/kg), chromium (1.54 mg/kg), lead (1.06 mg/kg), mercury (0.29 mg/kg), and cadmium (0.24 mg/kg). Health risk assessments indicated potential concerns for populations in Egypt and Tunisia due to cadmium and mercury levels.
Key findings
- Pooled mean concentrations of toxic elements were arsenic (3.81 mg/kg), chromium (1.54 mg/kg), lead (1.06 mg/kg), mercury (0.29 mg/kg), and cadmium (0.24 mg/kg).
- Non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed potential health concerns for populations in Egypt and Tunisia due to cadmium and mercury.
- Substantial variability in contamination levels was observed across countries, seafood categories, and fishing zones.
Why it matters
Understanding the levels of toxic trace elements in seafood is crucial for public health, as these contaminants can pose significant health risks to consumers, particularly in regions with high seafood consumption.