Health hazardous index based trace metals and essential acids analysis of size-dependent market available Hilsa fish, Bangladesh: Experimental and chemometric approaches

With priority given to various-sized samples of market-available Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha), human health consequences of trace metals along with total essential acids, including the fatty acid (FA) and amino acid (AA) profile were measured and compared to different size groups (G I, G II, and G III) using chemometric approaches. Essential amino acids were lower than nonessential amino acids. The G III contained the highest (97.55%) saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The highest concentrated metal was found in G1 among the groups and the order of metal (mg/kg) was Zn (205.01) > Mn (37.37) > Fe (69.39) > Cu (1.47) > Cr (1.31) > Ni (0.42) > Pb (0.017) > Cd (0.005). Even though the adult group showed no health hazards for Hilsa consumption, non-carcinogenic risks have been identified for G1 fish consumption by children. Continued monitoring is recommended to overcome the health consequences caused by fish consumption. [Display omitted] •The fat content of fish increases proportionally with their size.•Zn content displayed higher than the suggested concentration by FSG.•HI values for both adult and child groups followed a declining order: G I > G II > G III.•The health risk index displayed a higher risk for children consuming Hilsa fish than adults.•Most metals in the fish were of anthropogenic origin.