Research Article

Nutritional Quality and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): A Seasonal Study on the Kefken Coast, Black Sea

Volume: 32 Number: 4 October 12, 2026

Nutritional Quality and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): A Seasonal Study on the Kefken Coast, Black Sea

Abstract

This study evaluated the metal content, fatty acid composition, and health risks of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected over 8 months from the Kefken coast. As a transition zone between the Black Sea and Marmara Sea, this site is critical for monitoring nutritional quality and regional pollutants. The mussels showed a highly favorable lipid profile, with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) comprising 38.03 55.36% of total fatty acids. Optimal Atherogenicity (0.32–0.65) and Thrombogenicity (0.17–0.34) indices indicated strong cardiovascular benefits, while positive Selenium Health Benefit Values (9.33–14.25) suggested partial protection against mercury. However, risk assessments revealed severe non-carcinogenic concerns. Trace metals varied seasonally; Arsenic (As) and Mercury (Hg) peaked at 2.17 and 0.38 mg/kg (May/July), while Cadmium (Cd) reached 0.56 mg/kg (October). The carcinogenic risk for As (3–5×10-5) remained within the acceptable USEPA range. Conversely, the corrected Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) for Cd (up to 3.928) and Hg (up to 2.442) significantly exceeded the safe threshold (>1) for adults and children. Furthermore, the Benefit-Risk Assessment (HQEFA) under EFSA (2012) guidelines demonstrated that achieving recommended EPA+DHA targets (250–500 mg/day for adults; 324 mg/day for children) poses severe risks. Meeting the minimum 250 mg/day adult intake yielded Cd HQEFA values of 1.15–2.86, escalating to 5.72 at 500 mg/day, while Hg HQEFA values reached 2.64 for children. In conclusion, despite the exceptional lipid quality fostered by transition zone dynamics, the cumulative heavy metal contamination observed specifically in the Kefken coast samples poses significant health hazards, severely restricting the safe, unrestricted inclusion of this local mussel population in heart-healthy diets. 

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu

Project Number

TOVAG-113O381

Ethical Statement

This study did not involve human subjects, vertebrate animals, or any procedures requiring ethics committee approval. The research complied with relevant institutional guidelines for environmental sampling and chemical analysis of invertebrate organisms. All data were collected and analyzed ethically, ensuring integrity and transparency in reporting.

Thanks

This work was supported by the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey. Additionally, the study was funded by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) under the project TOVAG 113O911.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Shellfish Culture

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

October 12, 2026

Submission Date

October 27, 2025

Acceptance Date

May 22, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 32 Number: 4

APA
Yıldız, H. (2026). Nutritional Quality and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): A Seasonal Study on the Kefken Coast, Black Sea. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 32(4), 1085-1102. https://doi.org/10.15832/ankutbd.1811576
AMA
1.Yıldız H. Nutritional Quality and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): A Seasonal Study on the Kefken Coast, Black Sea. J Agr Sci-Tarim Bili. 2026;32(4):1085-1102. doi:10.15832/ankutbd.1811576
Chicago
Yıldız, Harun. 2026. “Nutritional Quality and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus Galloprovincialis): A Seasonal Study on the Kefken Coast, Black Sea”. Journal of Agricultural Sciences 32 (4): 1085-1102. https://doi.org/10.15832/ankutbd.1811576.
EndNote
Yıldız H (October 1, 2026) Nutritional Quality and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): A Seasonal Study on the Kefken Coast, Black Sea. Journal of Agricultural Sciences 32 4 1085–1102.
IEEE
[1]H. Yıldız, “Nutritional Quality and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): A Seasonal Study on the Kefken Coast, Black Sea”, J Agr Sci-Tarim Bili, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 1085–1102, Oct. 2026, doi: 10.15832/ankutbd.1811576.
ISNAD
Yıldız, Harun. “Nutritional Quality and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus Galloprovincialis): A Seasonal Study on the Kefken Coast, Black Sea”. Journal of Agricultural Sciences 32/4 (October 1, 2026): 1085-1102. https://doi.org/10.15832/ankutbd.1811576.
JAMA
1.Yıldız H. Nutritional Quality and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): A Seasonal Study on the Kefken Coast, Black Sea. J Agr Sci-Tarim Bili. 2026;32:1085–1102.
MLA
Yıldız, Harun. “Nutritional Quality and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus Galloprovincialis): A Seasonal Study on the Kefken Coast, Black Sea”. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 32, no. 4, Oct. 2026, pp. 1085-02, doi:10.15832/ankutbd.1811576.
Vancouver
1.Harun Yıldız. Nutritional Quality and Toxicological Risk Assessment of Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): A Seasonal Study on the Kefken Coast, Black Sea. J Agr Sci-Tarim Bili. 2026 Oct. 1;32(4):1085-102. doi:10.15832/ankutbd.1811576

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