Environmental lead (Pb) contamination in coastal fish: Tissue-specific bioaccumulation, histopathology, and health risk assessment in South Sumatra, Indonesia.

Lead (Pb) pollution in coastal aquatic environments has become an important environmental issue due to its potential effects on seafood safety and public health. This research investigated the distribution of Pb in the gill, liver, and muscle tissues of Lutjanus russellii and Eleutheronema tetradactylum obtained from fish collectors in Sungsang IV, South Sumatra, Indonesia. In addition, histopathological alterations and potential human health risks associated with fish consumption were also evaluated. Heavy metal analysis was carried out using a wet acid digestion procedure followed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), while tissue damage assessment employed Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining techniques. Human health risk evaluation included the calculation of Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Target Cancer Risk (TR). The findings demonstrated that Pb accumulation in L. russellii was highest in the gills, followed by the liver and muscle tissues. Conversely, in E. tetradactylum, the liver showed the greatest Pb accumulation, followed by the gills and muscle tissue. Pb concentrations measured in the edible muscle tissues of both species were still lower than the maximum permissible limits established by FAO/WHO standards. Microscopic examination revealed several histopathological abnormalities, including edema, necrosis, hyperplasia, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The calculated EDI, THQ, and HI values suggested that the consumption of these fish species does not currently pose significant non-carcinogenic health risks. However, the TR value obtained for L. russellii slightly surpassed the recommended USEPA threshold, suggesting a possible long-term carcinogenic concern associated with continuous exposure. These findings emphasize the importance of regular monitoring of heavy metal contamination in coastal ecosystems to maintain seafood safety and protect local communities.