Trace Element Concentrations and Health Risk Assessment of Veined Rapa Whelk (Rapana venosa) from the Southern Black Sea (Sinop, Türkiye)

Abstract

The veined rapa whelk (Rapana venosa), an invasive alien species, was first introduced to the Black Sea in the 1940s. Initially considered a significant marine pest due to its predatory pressure on native benthic bivalves, it has now become a globally exported commodity generating millions of dollars for littoral countries. Although mollusks are crucial sources of high-quality marine protein, their high capacity for bioaccumulating trace elements poses potential food safety concerns.

This study investigates the concentrations of trace elements, including zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), in the soft tissues of R. venosa collected from the southern Black Sea (Akliman coasts, Sinop). Sampling was conducted at depths of 1–2 meters during May and June 2024, utilizing specimens with lengths of 6-8 cm. The results revealed that among the analyzed elements, Zn exhibited the highest concentration, whereas Cd showed the lowest. The target hazard quotient (THQ) analysis indicated that the consumption of R. venosa from the southern Black Sea poses no potential health risk to consumers. Nevertheless, continuous monitoring of trace elements and food safety in wild veined rapa whelks remains crucial for future research.