LAUSR

The aim of this study was to evaluate the health risk of Cd, Cu, Pb, As, and Hg exposure through consumption of cultured oyster Crassostrea gigas from Sonoran coast. Metals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry, and the risk assessment was estimated according to the hazard quotient (HQ), carcinogenic risk (CR), and hazard index (HI). The mean levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, As, and Hg in oysters were 1.35, 7.69, 0.29, 0.07, and 0.04 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. Results indicate that except for Cd, all mean levels were below than those recommended by the Mexican government, FAO, and European Union. The metal levels were similar to those reported on the Pacific Northwest Coasts. For risk assessment, the HQ, CR, and HI values did not exceed safety levels. Therefore, the oysters cultivated in the studied areas are safe for human consumption.