Risk assessment of some heavy metals in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and veined rapa whelks (Rapana venosa) for human health

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the concentrations of lead, cadmium and mercury in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and veined rapa whelks (Rapana venosa) caught in the Varna Bay of Black Sea and to evaluate the risk for human health from the presence of the three heavy metals. The highest average concentrations in mussels were those of cadmium (0.280 mg/kg), followed by lead (0.251 mg/kg) and mercury (0.017 mg/kg). Veined rapa whelks also showed highest levels of cadmium (1.113 mg/kg), followed by lead (0.045 mg/kg) and mercury (0.034 mg/kg). EDI values for adults consuming mussels and veined rapa whelks were below the published RfDo and PTWI values. All THQ and HI values were below 1. The consumption of M. galloprovincialis and R. venosa caught in the Varna Bay, Black Sea, did not pose any risk for the health of adult people as lead, cadmium and mercury were concerned. [Display omitted] •Concentrations of Pb, Cd and Hg in mussels and veined rapa whelks were determined.•The highest average concentrations were exhibited by Cd, followed by Pb and Hg.•Human health risk assessment was performed by calculations of EDI, THQ and HI.•EDI values for adults were below the RfDo and PTWI values.•All THQ and HI values were below 1.