Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Exposure from the Consumption of Cephalopods and Crustaceans in Peninsular Malaysia

Cephalopods and crustaceans are known to bioaccumulate heavy metals, potentially posing both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to consumers. This study was conducted to determine heavy metal concentrations and assess associated health risks in the edible tissues of 84 cephalopod and crustacean samples. Heavy metal concentrations and assess associated health risks in the edible tissues of 84 cephalopod and crustacean samples collected from selected wholesale markets and major fish landing ports throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The analysis focused on nine heavy metals: selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn). The samples were digested using a microwave digestion system, and heavy metal concentrations were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results showed that Mn was the most abundant metal, followed by Cr and Zn. Octopus (C. indicus) had the highest Mn concentration (5.01 mg/kg WW), while Rainbow shrimp (P. sculptilis) had the highest overall metal concentration (91.02 mg/kg WW). Significant differences were observed between cephalopods and crustaceans, with Cd and Sn concentrations being notably higher in cephalopods (p < 0.001). However, no significant associations were observed between heavy metal concentrations and sample weight or length, indicating a greater influence of environmental factors. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explained 80.4% of the variance, with Cd, Sn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Mn accounting for the majority of the variance. Estimated weekly intake (EWI) values ranged from 0.002 to 26.30 µg/kg bw/week for cephalopods and 8.02 × 10−6 to 243.175 µg/kg bw/week for crustaceans. All metal levels were below the permissible limits set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations/World Health Organisation (FAO/WHO). Hazard Index values were <1, indicating low non-carcinogenic risk, and Total Carcinogenic Risk values for Pb and Cr were below 1 × 10−4, suggesting negligible carcinogenic risk.