Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS, cilt.150, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study evaluated cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) levels in farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) from four aquaculture farms in T & uuml;rkiye. Dietary exposure was assessed for Turkish, Italian, and average EU consumers using national consumption data. Trace element concentrations ranged from 0.017-0.048 mg/kg for Hg, 0.032-0.076 mg/kg for Pb, 0.007-0.012 mg/kg for Cd, and averaged 0.218 mg/kg for Se, all below EU maximum permissible limits. Non-carcinogenic risks were low, with Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values between 0.05 and 0.53 and Pb Margin of Exposure (MOE) values consistently above 10. Carcinogenic risk also remained minimal (TR = 5.48 x 10-8 to 2.01 x 10-7), below the acceptable threshold (1.0 x 10-4). The Maximum Monthly Consumption Limit (CRmm) for Pb indicated that seabream from three of the sampled aquaculture farms should not exceed eight meals per month to avoid long-term effects. Italian consumers showed the highest exposure due to higher seafood intake, though still within safe levels. These findings underscore the importance of using country-specific dietary data in seafood risk assessments. Promoting consumption of a wider variety of seafood species and maintaining continuous monitoring of aquaculture environments are essential for ensuring food safety and supporting sustainable international seafood trade.