Toxic metal and metalloid contamination in seafood from an eutrophic Brazilian estuary and associated public health risks

Guanabara Bay (GB) is a highly contaminated estuarine system and an important fishing area in Southeastern Brazil. In this regard, knowledge concerning the association of certain contaminants in seafood to abiotic factors and human health risk assessments is still understudied. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify nine toxic elements in highly consumed crabs, shrimp, and squid, and associate the results with abiotic factors. A human health risk assessment was also performed. Our findings indicate that crabs are the main bioaccumulators. Transparency and depth were noteworthy for all three taxonomic groups. In general, contaminant concentrations were below the limits established by different international agencies, except for As, which was higher than the Brazilian limit (1 mg kg−1). However, the Hazard Index identified risks to consumer health for the ingestion of seafood. This study emphasizes the importance of jointly evaluating different toxic elements, for a more accurate health risk assessment. [Display omitted] •Environmental factors favor metal contamination in seafood and affect human health.•We quantified nine metals in highly consumed invertebrates from a polluted estuary.•The results obtained by ICP-MS were applied in a risk assessment.•The interaction between the metals was indicative of a risk to the human health.•Monitoring contaminated regions is essential to predict impacts to humans and animals.