Bioaccumulation of trace elements and health risk predictions in edible tissues of the Marsh Frog

Abstract

Certain amphibian species have long served as a valuable protein source for humans, in addition to being good bioindicators for environmental pollutants. Hence, to investigate the consumption outcomes leading to potential health risks, we determined the trace element (TE) levels in the hind leg and liver tissues of marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus), one of the delicacies of several cuisines today. The sediment, water, and frog tissue samples were collected from 15 different locations of NE Turkey and analyzed to determine the arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) concentrations. The TE concentrations in the sediment, water, and individuals were detected to show significant variations among sampling stations (p < 0.05). Yet, Cd and Pb concentrations of the hind legs cooked and enjoyed in the diets were determined below the European Commission's permitted levels. Furthermore, based on the TEs in edible tissues, consumption of the marsh frog did not appear to pose a risk to humans in terms of provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), target hazard coefficient (THQ), and hazard index (HI).