Assessment of mercury and selenium concentrations in Sepia pharaonis and Uroteuthis duvauceli from the Persian Gulf, Iran: Implications for human health and seafood safety

This study investigates the concentrations of mercury and selenium in Sepia pharaonis and Uroteuthis duvauceli from the Persian Gulf. Based on 30 sample from these species our results showed that the concentration of mercury and selenium metals in the hepatopancreas of both species was significantly higher than in the muscle, with Uroteuthis duvauceli exhibiting higher overall mercury concentrations than Sepia pharaonis. Selenium concentrations were lower than mercury concentrations. The correlation of mercury and selenium in muscle and hepatopancreas of Sepia pharaonis and Uroteuthis duvauceli was negative; the correlations was clearer for the hepatopancreas. Furthermore, the daily intake values and hazard indices calculated for both metals indicated that selenium poses minimal risk, while the consumption of these cephalopods warrants caution due to elevated mercury levels. The study emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance and species-specific assessments to ensure safe seafood consumption and protect public health.