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<p>Marine macroalgae are increasingly utilized in functional foods and pharmaceuticals; however, their tendency to bioaccumulate heavy metals poses potential consumer health risks. This study assessed the concentrations of nine heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in green, brown, and red macroalgae collected from ten coastal regions across Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar. Findings indicated significant metal concentrations, notably Arsenic (71.06 ± 0.12&#xa0;µg/g) and Copper (127.71 ± 0.04&#xa0;µg/g), with several species exceeding international food safety limits for As, Cd, and Pb. Species-specific accumulation was evaluated using the Metal Pollution Index (MPI). <i>Enteromorpha fluxiosa</i> (4.634) and <i>Lobophora variegata</i> (3.704) exhibited the highest MPI values, while <i>Ulva lactuca</i> and <i>Porphyra indica</i> showed negligible accumulation. Health risk assessments revealed that <i>E. fluxiosa</i>, <i>Sargassum wightii</i>, and <i>Portieria hornemannii</i> pose significant non-carcinogenic risks, as their Hazard Index (HI) values exceeded the safety threshold (HI &gt; 1), primarily driven by arsenic and copper levels. In contrast, <i>U. lactuca</i> and <i>Gelidiella acerosa</i> maintained lower HI values, suggesting higher safety for human consumption. Statistical analyses, including Cluster Analysis and PCA, differentiated two primary groups: green algae with lower accumulation and red and brown algae with higher levels attributed to complex cell wall compositions. PCA identified Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Co as primary drivers of species distribution, positioning <i>U. lactuca</i> and <i>S. wightii</i> as effective bioindicators. These results underscore the critical necessity for regular monitoring and stringent regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety of seaweed-derived products.</p>

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Potential health hazards and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in marine macroalgae collected from Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, Southeastern India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月4日

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  • Jegadeshwari Bhaskaran,
  • Prabhu Kolandhasamy,
  • Emmanuel Charles Partheeban,
  • Anandkumar Arumugam,
  • Tewodros Rango Godebo,
  • Rajaram Rajendran

摘要

Marine macroalgae are increasingly utilized in functional foods and pharmaceuticals; however, their tendency to bioaccumulate heavy metals poses potential consumer health risks. This study assessed the concentrations of nine heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in green, brown, and red macroalgae collected from ten coastal regions across Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar. Findings indicated significant metal concentrations, notably Arsenic (71.06 ± 0.12 µg/g) and Copper (127.71 ± 0.04 µg/g), with several species exceeding international food safety limits for As, Cd, and Pb. Species-specific accumulation was evaluated using the Metal Pollution Index (MPI). Enteromorpha fluxiosa (4.634) and Lobophora variegata (3.704) exhibited the highest MPI values, while Ulva lactuca and Porphyra indica showed negligible accumulation. Health risk assessments revealed that E. fluxiosa, Sargassum wightii, and Portieria hornemannii pose significant non-carcinogenic risks, as their Hazard Index (HI) values exceeded the safety threshold (HI > 1), primarily driven by arsenic and copper levels. In contrast, U. lactuca and Gelidiella acerosa maintained lower HI values, suggesting higher safety for human consumption. Statistical analyses, including Cluster Analysis and PCA, differentiated two primary groups: green algae with lower accumulation and red and brown algae with higher levels attributed to complex cell wall compositions. PCA identified Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Co as primary drivers of species distribution, positioning U. lactuca and S. wightii as effective bioindicators. These results underscore the critical necessity for regular monitoring and stringent regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety of seaweed-derived products.