Heavy Metal Concentrations in Wild Mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) during 2001–2023 and Potential Risks for Consumers: A Study on the Romanian Black Sea Coast

Abstract

This study investigates the potential health risks associated with consuming mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) from the Romanian Black Sea coast between 2001 and 2023. The research focuses on heavy metal (copper, cadmium, lead, nickel, and chromium) bioaccumulation in mussels and the associated human health hazards. While most metals fell within safe limits, lead and cadmium exceeded the maximum admissible concentrations set by the European Commission in a small percentage of samples (10% for cadmium, 14% for lead). To assess human health risks, we calculated dietary intake estimates and hazard quotients. These calculations suggested that current metal concentrations in the mussels are unlikely to cause adverse health effects at typical consumption levels. Although current metal concentrations seem safe based on estimated intake and hazard quotients, we emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of pollutants in seafood to ensure consumer safety. Future research should consider the cumulative effects of various contaminants and how individual factors like age and health conditions might influence risk. Public health protection requires continuous monitoring, comprehensive risk assessments, and transparent communication between scientists, policymakers, and the public to establish safe consumption guidelines.