Abstract:
Seaweeds are grown for their use in food and other sectors, however heavy metals (HMs) contamination raises serious
issues for the environment and public health. This study focuses on seaweed samples (Hypnea musciformes and Gracilaria lemaneiformis) collected from the Rezu Khal seaweed culture site, Cox’s Bazar coast, Bangladesh. HMs and minerals
were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Among the elements examined, H. musciformes
displayed the highest mean concentrations of minerals and HMs, including Magnesium (Mg) (8663.00 ±2302.06 mg/kg),
Copper (Cu) (10.59±1.61 mg/kg), Iron (Fe) (7566.29±2842.47 mg/kg), Manganese (Mn) (9.93±2.88 mg/kg), Zinc (Zn)
(29.54±7.51 mg/kg), and Nickel (Ni) (11.77±2.63 mg/kg). Conversely, G. lemaneiformis exhibited the highest levels of
Calcium (Ca) (798.14±143.40 mg/kg), Lead (Pb) (3.91±1.74 mg/kg), and Chromium (Cr) (0.59±0.30 mg/kg). Specifically,
Mg was prominently abundant in H. musciformes, while Cawas more prevalent in G. lemaneiformis. Both seaweed types
contained Pb and Cr. None of the elements was significantly different between the species (p <0.05). The consumers are
not exposed to any carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic risks related to these concentrations, according to the evaluation
of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks.
