Metal concentrations in fresh and salt-dried anchovy, Encrasicholina devisi, and estimation of target hazard quotient for consumers in Kuala Terengganu

Seafood processing methods alter the metal concentrations in fish. Since the concentrations are often quantified for fresh fish, such alteration can under or overestimate the daily intake of metal elements through consumption. This study aimed to determine metal concentrations in fresh and salt-dried anchovies (Encrasicholina devisi) collected from Kuala Terengganu coastal waters. The samples were digested through acid digestion and the concentrations of chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, and lead were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (Perkin Elmer Elan 9000). Significant concentration variations were not observed in fresh and salt-dried anchovies (p>0.05). The concentration of arsenic exceeded the 1985 Malaysian Food Regulation standards, validating the other reports on local canned anchovies. The values of estimated daily intake and hazard quotient showed that arsenic levels in the salt-dried anchovies might pose health hazards, especially for the age group between 20 and 29 years.