To detect the heavy metal and metalloid content in aquatic products from 3 coastal areas of China, analyze the differences and correlations of heavy metal and metalloid levels among different types of aquatic products, assess the pollution level and health risks.

The content of 14 kinds of heavy metals and metalloid was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Their distribution and correlations in different aquatic products were analyzed, including the content differences between freshwater fish and marine fish, as well as pairwise comparisons among 3 sample categories: Fish, crustaceans and other aquatic products. Furthermore, the single-factor pollution index method, comprehensive pollution index method and target hazard quotient (THQ) method were employed to evaluate the heavy metal and metalloid pollution levels and health risks.

Among the 101 aquatic product samples, cadmium had the highest exceedance rate at 3.96%, while lead and chromium did not exceed standard limits. Statistically significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the content of iron, cobalt, zinc, arsenic, selenium, strontium and cadmium between freshwater and marine fish. The content of chromium, iron, cobalt, nickel and lead were higher in other aquatic products than in fish and crustaceans.Significant differences (P<0.05) were found in the content of vanadium, manganese, copper and cadmium among the 3 categories. Pollution evaluation indicated that chromium, arsenic, cadmium and lead were at safe levels, while health risk assessment revealed higher health risks for chromium, lead, nickel and copper. Correlation analysis showed strong positive correlations between barium and manganese (r>0.9, P<0.05), barium and iron (r>0.8, P<0.05), barium and lead (r>0.8, P<0.05), as well as between iron and manganese and lead (r>0.8, P<0.05).

The overall heavy metal and metalloid pollution in aquatic products is relatively mild, but cadmium pollution is notable. Consumption of aquatic products poses certain health risks, necessitating strengthened regulation and control measures. Furthermore, the accumulation of heavy metals and metalloid is influenced not only by the type of aquatic product but also closely related to the presence of other heavy metal and metalloid components.