Assessment of potentially toxic metals, metalloids, and non-metals in muscle and liver tissue of Two Fish Species (Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758 and Odontesthes regia (Humboldt, 1821) from the Coastal Area of Callao, Peru

The bioaccumulation of potentially toxic metals, metalloids, and non-metals in human organs, tissues, and cellular structures can lead to the emergence of related pathologies, primarily affecting the nervous system, kidneys, liver, and endocrine system. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the concentrations of potentially toxic metals and other contaminants to ensure the safe consumption of the population. To this end, this study aimed to evaluate the accumulation of potentially toxic metals, metalloids, and non-metals in the muscle and liver tissue of fish captured in the Bay of Callao, Peru. Three sampling areas (PA1: Naval School; PA2: Peruvian Marine Institute; PA3: Callao Pier) were considered, where two fish species (Mugil cephalus and Odontesthes regia) were collected to determine the degree of inorganic contamination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The potentially toxic metals, metalloids, and non-metals with the highest concentration values in the muscle of M. cephalus were K>P > Ca>Mg>Fe>Zn>Al, while in the liver, the highest concentrations were K>Mg>P > Ca>Fe>Zn>Cu. M. cephalus specimens collected in PA1 exhibited high As concentrations, while those from PA3 had high Pb and Se concentrations. For O. regia, values in the muscle tissue were K>P > Ca>Mg>Fe>Zn>Sr, while in the liver, the highest concentrations were K>P > Mg>Ca>Fe>Zn>Al>Sr. As, Pb, and Se values in PA1 were higher than those observed in other sampling points. Some significant correlations were observed between pairs of metals, metalloids, and non-metals in the tissues of both fish species. As, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Se exceed international standards in both muscle and liver tissues of both species, representing a potential risk to human health and the aquatic ecosystem.