Evaluation of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Mullus barbatus from Sicily Channel and risk-based consumption limits

Effect of in-house cooking in Mytilus galloprovincialis and Trachurus trachurus: Lipid and fatty acids quality and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons formation

Cooking effect (grilling - barbecue, oven-cooking, frying, boiling and microwaving) on lipid and fatty acids (FAs) in mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and fish Trachurus trachurus was investigated. The levels of priority PAHs were also evaluated as well as the potential risk associated with their consumption. Cooking increased lipid content, reaching the highest value in fried product with 13.2 and 5.6 g/100 g in mussel and fish, respectively. The n-3/n-6 ranged from 0.15 to 5.31 in mussel and from 0.29 to 5.35 in mackerel. In both species, frying and oven-cooking negatively affected FAs composition as shown by the lipid quality indices. However, FAs profile exhibited by species after cooking remained beneficial for human health. Concerning PAHs, levels ranged from 31 to 78 μg/kg in M. galloprovincialis, and from 8.4 to 25 μg/kg in T. trachurus. The minimum and maximum values were found, respectively, in the raw product and after barbecue cooking with charcoal placed at 4 cm away from the seafood. The carcinogenic benzo[a]pyrene was detected only in mussels after barbecue cooking. Risk assessment of dietary exposure to PAHs, calculated by the Hazard Quotient and Cancer Risk, showed that the consumption of cooked seafood should not be a concern for human health.

Content of Trace Elements and Human Health Risk Assessment via Consumption of Commercially Important Fishes from Montenegrin Coast

Muscle tissues of Mullus barbatus and Merluccius merluccius were analyzed for the presence of selected trace elements (As, Hg, Cd, and Pb) to determine the value of the daily intake of trace elements from fish consumption and to assess the risk to human health. The mean concentrations of As in the muscle tissue of M. barbatus and M. merluccius for the entire period were 19.689 mg/kg wet weight (ww) and 8.356 mg/kg ww, Hg 0.497 mg/kg ww and 0.153 mg/kg ww, and Pb 0.031 mg/kg ww and 0.025 mg/kg ww, respectively. The concentrations of Cd in all fish sampled were below the detection limit (<0.02 mg/kg ww). The evaluation of the potential health risk assessments based on the target hazard quotient (THQ) and estimated daily intake (EDI) indicated that the intake of As in both fish species and Hg for M. barbatus could pose an appreciable risk to human health. The calculated hazard index (HI) was higher than 1 for both fish species. The continuous monitoring of trace elements' concentrations in fish is strongly recommended, as the results demonstrate potential health risks due to the presence of As and Hg.

Estimation of Cadmium in Muscles of Five Freshwater Fish Species from Manzalah Lake, and Possible Human Risk Assessment of Fish Consumption (Egypt)

The Egyptian government devised a plan in 2016 to improve the unique ecological significance of northern lakes, which mentioned Manzalah Lake in the Egypt Vision 2030. In this regard, this study investigated cadmium (Cd) content in five freshwater fish species collected from Manzalah Lake in Egypt at 2018 by local fishermen. According to the findings, Clarias gariepinus recorded the highest concentration of Cd (1.40 ± 0.2 μg/g) and the lowest concentration was recorded in O. aureus (1.19 ± 0.2 μg/g). Cadmium contents of all species were largely above the permissible level of the Food Agricultural Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) and Commission Regulation (EC). The estimated daily intake (EDI), the estimated weekly intake (EWI), and the percentages of provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI %) values for Cd in the C. gariepinus > Sarotherodon galilaeus > Tilapia zillii > Oreochromis niloticus > Oreochromis aureus which consumed by children, teenagers, and adults were much higher than the PTWI values established by FAO/WHO. In addition, C. gariepinus consumed by children showed the highest value of the target hazard quotient (THQ) (5.83 a day or 40.81 a week) while O. aureus that ingested by adults showed the lowest level (1.06 a day or 7.42a week). The target carcinogenic risk (TCR) of C. gariepinus in children had the greatest level (2.21 × 10-3 a day or 1.55 × 10-2 a week), whereas O. aureus in adults had the lowest level of TCR (4 × 10-4 a day or 2.81 × 10-3 a week). THQs values of Cd in the five studied species were found higher than one. Moreover, TCRs values of Cd in the five species were exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency guideline USEPA permissible limits suggesting that a daily or weekly consumption of these species could lead to a high risk non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic for humans.

Meta-Analysis of a New Georeferenced Database on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Western and Central Mediterranean Seafood

The aim of this work was to collect and harmonize the results of several studies achieved over the years, in order to obtain a database of georeferenced observations on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Western and Central Mediterranean seafood. For each observation, some information on the taxonomy and the ecology of the sampled species are reported, as well as details on the investigated hydrocarbon, and spatial and temporal information on sampling. Moreover, two health risk indexes were calculated for each record and included in the database. Through several statistical methods, we conducted a meta-analysis of the data on some of the species in this database, identifying trends that could be related to the biology of the investigated organisms, as well as to the physico-chemical properties of each hydrocarbon and to the oceanographic characteristic of this part of the Mediterranean. The analysis of the data showed that, at a consumption rate like the one typical of the Italian population, seafood caught from the area considered in the present work seems to pose a minimal risk to health. However, we also found evidence of an increasing trend of PAH concentrations in Mediterranean mussels, pointing to the need for constant monitoring.

Investigation of Bioaccumulation and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) Farming with a Rice-Crayfish-Based Coculture Breeding Modes

Due to the rapid development of the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) industry in Chinese catering, people are paying more attention to the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in crayfish. To evaluate the health risks associated with the consumption of crayfish, nine types of heavy metals in both crayfish and abdominal muscles of crayfish were investigated. Crayfish samples were collected from rice-crayfish-based coculture breeding modes from different areas located in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The average concentrations of heavy metals in the whole crayfish were much higher than the abdominal muscle of crayfish. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of heavy metals in the abdomen of crayfish was calculated to assess the noncarcinogenic risk and the overall noncarcinogenic risk including the target hazard quotient (THQ), the hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR). The results of the present study showed that the consumption of crayfish may not present an obvious health risk to human associated with heavy metals. However, the THQ values of As in the abdominal muscles of crayfish for adults in EnShi (ES) and children in JiaYu (JY) should be of concern due to the higher contribution to the potential health risks of crayfish compared to other metals. Through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) detection of heavy metal As, it is found that As in crayfish culture environment mainly exists in the form of As3+.Therefore, the quality and quantity of crayfish consumption should be moderated to prevent the bioaccumulation of As. The results indicate that crayfish cultured in different areas may have similar pollution levels and/or emissions from the same pollution sources.

Methylmercury and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Mediterranean Seafood: A Molecular Anthropological Perspective

Eating seafood has numerous health benefits; however, it constitutes one of the main sources of exposure to several harmful environmental pollutants, both of anthropogenic and natural origin. Among these, methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons give rise to concerns related to their possible effects on human biology. In the present review, we summarize the results of epidemiological investigations on the genetic component of individual susceptibility to methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure in humans, and on the effects that these two pollutants have on human epigenetic profiles (DNA methylation). Then, we provide evidence that Mediterranean coastal communities represent an informative case study to investigate the potential impact of methylmercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the human genome and epigenome, since they are characterized by a traditionally high local seafood consumption, and given the characteristics that render the Mediterranean Sea particularly polluted. Finally, we discuss the challenges of a molecular anthropological approach to this topic.

Characterization of classes of mollusks in the East Atlantic according to their element content

One hundred and ninety-two samples from six species of mollusks classified into the following taxonomic classes: Gastropoda (Patella aspera, Patella candei crenata), Bivalvia (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Ensis directus), and Cephalopoda (Abraliposis morisii, Pyroteuthis margatifera) were investigated. Samples were collected in the Atlantic Ocean (Canary Islands and Galicia). The concentrations of Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, and Zn were determined by ICP-OES. Statistical analysis verified that the classes of benthic organisms had the highest concentration of elements. However, the Cephalopoda class had the highest Cd (1.685 ± 0.929 mg/kg) and Pb (0.826 ± 1.104 mg/kg) content. On the other hand, the values obtained in this study were compared with studies conducted in other parts of the world to verify the environmental state of the Atlantic Ocean using the organisms studied as bioindicators.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Mullus surmuletus from the Catania Gulf (Sicily, Italy): distribution and potential health risks

Different specimens of Mullus surmuletus from the Catania Gulf (Sicily) were sampled and analysed for the quantification of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in order to evaluate the distribution of these pollutants and the potential human health risks associated to the consumption of fish. The determined PAHs concentration values ranged from 0.25 to 6.10 ng/g wet weight and the most abundant PAHs detected were lower molecular weight (LMW) compounds with 2 to 3 rings. Relying on the PAHs concentration values, on the consumption data and on the total toxic equivalent (TEQ), the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was assessed and its calculated value (2.97 × 10-7) is far below the "maximum acceptable risk level" (ARL), suggesting a low potential carcinogenic risk on consuming M. surmuletus for local population. Even though the study shows a quite low contamination level in M. surmuletus, intensive monitoring programmes are still highly needed in order to provide a better picture of the PAHs distribution in Catania Gulf and of the human health risk linked to fish consumption.

Metal content in Mullus surmuletus in the Canary Islands (North-West African Atlantic)

The contents of 3 heavy metals (Al, Cd, and Pb) and 10 trace elements (B, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Ni, Sr, V, Zn) were determined by means of atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES) in 117 specimens of red mullet, Mullus surmuletus. The specimens were taken in two of the Canary Islands; two locations on the island of Tenerife: Candelaria on the northeast coast and Punta de Hidalgo on the north coast and Arguineguín, on the south coast of the island of Gran Canaria. No significant differences were found between the two sites in Tenerife regarding the metal content of the specimens studied, but differences were found between the specimens captured in Arguineguín and the two sites in Tenerife, the latter having higher concentrations of the analyzed metals.

Role of Emerging Environmental Risk Factors in Thyroid Cancer: A Brief Review

Environmental factors are recognized as risk factors of thyroid cancer in humans. Exposure to radiation, both from nuclear weapon or fallout or medical radiation, and to some organic and inorganic chemical toxicants represent a worldwide public health issue for their proven carcinogenicity. Halogenated compounds, such as organochlorines and pesticides, are able to disrupt thyroid function. Polychlorinated biphenyls and their metabolites and polybrominated diethyl ethers bind to thyroid, transport proteins, replace thyroxin, and disrupt thyroid function as phthalates and bisphenolates do, highly mimicking thyroid hormones. A better knowledge of environmental risks represents a very important tool for cancer prevention through true risks prevention and management. This approach is very important because of the epigenetic origin’s theory of cancer. Therefore, the aim of this review was study the association between environmental agents and thyroid cancer promotion.

Heavy metals concentrations in some commercially key species from Sicilian coasts (Mediterranean Sea): Potential human health risk estimation

Trace elements were measured in the edible tissues of target marine species (Sardina pilchardus, Mullus barbatus, Mullus surmuletus, Merluccius merluccius and Parapenaeus longirostris) collected in some of the main ports of the Sicilian coast (southern Italy) in order to evaluate the potential human health risk associated to their consumption. Cadmium, Pb and Hg were below the tolerable limits reported by the European Union in foodstuffs (Commission Regulation (EC) 1881/2006) except for Hg in P. longirostris from one sampling site. The health risk for consumers was assessed both for adults and children calculating the estimated weekly intake (EWI), the target hazard quotient (THQ) and the lifetime cancer risk (CR) for each element. The EWI did not exceed the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) recommended by the European Food Safety Authority and THQs were < 1 in most cases. Further, the probabilistic distributions of health hazard were evaluated through Monte-Carlo simulation which confirmed a non-carcinogenic risk. With some exceptions related to As exposure, the results obtained definitively confirm the goodness of the fishery commercial resources in one of the most important seafood market of the central Mediterranean Sea and represent a positive data for the assessment of the good environmental status for descriptor 9 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in this area of the basin.

Systematic review of arsenic in fresh seafood from the Mediterranean Sea and European Atlantic coasts: A health risk assessment

Arsenic in the environment pose major threats to human health, and especially the inorganic form can result in adverse health effects. This review analyse papers from 2004 to 2017 on As in fresh fish and molluscs caught in the Mediterranean sea and the European coast of the Atlantic ocean allowing the identification of the marine area with a greater As bioavailability and in particular the identification of the European populations more exposed to In-As by consuming fresh seafood. Results were separated on the base of the fishing site and the concentrations were reworked to assess the average daily intake to In-As as well as Target Hazard Quotient and Cancer Risk. Overall, the greater availability in Tot-As concentration in the pelagic compartment found in the Mediterranean Sea is not present along the European coasts of Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, only in the Mediterranean Sea, results highlighted significant differences between Tot-As concentrations in seafood subgroups. In both areas, In-As concentrations showed the following trend: molluscs > pelagic > demersal with significant differences between subgroups. The European populations more exposed to In-As from fish and molluscs are the French, Spanish, Italian and Greek, with particular regards to children of 3-6 years old, which should minimize the consumption of molluscs to avoid carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks.

Cadmium, lead and mercury in muscle tissue of gilthead seabream and seabass: Risk evaluation for consumers

Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) presence was investigated in the muscle tissue of gilthead seabream and seabass, collected from various aquaculture sites of the Aegean and Cretan Sea as well as from the fish market (fisheries). Risk for the Greek population through consumption of these species was estimated using two approaches: Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI). All heavy metal levels in the fish tissue were below the established safe limits for consumption. Metal accumulation was found to differ amongst mode of production, species, location and seasonality. Seabass demonstrated higher Hg and lower Cd concentrations than seabream, Hg and Pb seem to be more accumulated in closed seas and Pb values displayed a linear increasing trend from warmer to colder periods. Regression analysis revealed that the main contributing factor to Cd accumulation is species (beta: -0.28, 95%CI: -0.48 to -0.09); lead is predominately affected by seasonality (beta: 0.44, 95%CI: 0.29 to 0.59), Hg accumulation is mainly affected by location (beta: -0.32, 95%CI: -0.61 to -0.03) while wild seabream accumulates greater levels for Hg and Pb than farmed. Risk analysis demonstrated that consumption of the studied species, is safe for all metals (HI < 0.460 and TTHQ < 0.299).

Environmental determinants of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure at home, at kindergartens and during a commute

The aim of this study was to assess the potential health risk of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at home and kindergarten for pre-school children. The urine samples were taken from 200 pre-school children aged 5-7 years and analyzed for 1-OHP as a biomarker of PAHs. Mixed effect models were applied to investigate the association between effective environmental parameters (mode of transport, distance to major roads, traffic density, greenness, tobacco exposure, home ventilation, and grill foods) and urinary 1-OHP levels. A Monte-Carlo simulation technique was applied to calculate the risk of exposure to PAHs and to check the uncertainty of input variables and the sensitivity of the estimated risk. The median and inter quartile range (IQR) of 1-OHP was 257 (188.5) ng L^-1. There was a positive significant association between distance from the kindergartens to the green space with surface area ≥5000 m² and 1-OHP concentration (β = 0.844, 95% CI: 0.223, 1.46, P-value = 0.009). Also, urinary 1-OHP was found to be inversely associated with the time the window was open at the home (β = -12.56, 95% CI: -23.52, -1.596, P-value = 0.025) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in a 100 m buffer around the homes. The mean (9.76 E-3) and 95th percentile (3.28 E-2) of the hazard quotient (HQ) indicated that the concentration of urinary 1-OHP is at a safe level for the target population (HQ < 1). According to the sensitivity analysis results, the concentration of 1-OHP is the most influential variable in the estimated risk. Our findings indicated that the proximity of homes and kindergartens to green space areas and their remoteness from the main streets and heavy traffic areas are associated with reduced exposure to PAHs.

Groundwater-based water wells characterization from Guinea Bissau (Western Africa): A risk evaluation for the local population

The study conducted in two regions of Guinea Bissau, Oio and Cacheu, focusing on the characterization of the groundwater supplies sampled during the dry season and their associated risks for human health. Twenty samples were collected in wells located nearby pit latrines. In situ analyses were conducted with Semi-quantitative test strips for the determination of turbidity, pH, chloride, carbonate, sulfites, ammonium, nitrite and nitrate. The analysis of metals was performed by an ICP-MS Elan DRC-e and an ICP-OES Optima 8000. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) was applied to evaluate the risk of developing chronic systemic effects derived from exposure to metals. Values of concern of turbidity ammonium, and pH values were lower than the normal range for drinking water in most samples. From both regions, Fe and Al were occasionally found with values higher than the international thresholds fixed by the World Health Organization and by the European Commission for drinking water, while, only in one sample from Cacheu region Pb was found significantly above these limits. THQs resulted next to the level of risk (1) for the highest values found of Al, As, Fe and Mn. Of great concern is the resident risk obtained from a well water of Cacheu for the highest value of Pb (96.8μg/L), because the values of the resident risk found of 1 and 0.7 for child and adults respectively. The results obtained highlighted a close correlation between the chemistry of water and sediment and a correlation with the proximity of the water supplies with the latrines. This study evidenced the potential toxicity of the water supplies for the local populations and the risk of developing chronic systemic effects due to some physico-chemical parameters, the importance of functioning water pipeline system, the importance of maintaining adequate distance between latrines and drinking water access.

PAHs in seafood from the Mediterranean Sea: An exposure risk assessment

Seafood represent an important food source for human, and seafood quality is associated with marine environment quality. PAHs are one of the main organic environmental contaminants and they can be introduced into the body through different way (ingestion, inhalation, dermal absorption). We present data on bioaccumulation of the sixteen PAHs, defined priority by the U.S.- EPA, in Sardina pilchardus, Solea solea and Donax trunculus, three species caught in the Catania Gulf and highly consumed by the local population. The risk to develop chronic systemic and carcinogenic effects due to the consumption of these target species was evaluated through the EDI, THQ and CR. EDI derived from D. trunculus ingestion falls within the range calculated by the EFSA. The THQ is less than 1, and the CR calculated for the Benzo(a)Pyrene is at the limit of the ARL (1✕10^-5). EDI derived from S. pilchardus and S. solea ingestion are below the range calculated by the EFSA. The THQ is less than 1, and the CR is below the acceptable risk level. The contamination level found in local seafood determines a low risk to develop chronic systemic effects, but the cancer risk could be of health concern especially for high-frequency molluscs consumers.

Trace elements in seafood from the Mediterranean sea: An exposure risk assessment

Fish and shellfish belonging to five different species among pelagic, benthonic and molluscs, were collected from the Gulf of Catania in 2017 to evaluate arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se) vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn). Risk of developing chronic systemic effects derived from seafood consumption was evaluated with the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and compared with the results obtained from the same area and the species, collected in 2012. Hg, Cd and Pb concentrations were found below the limits set by European Community for human consumption in all the analysed species. The total risk is reduced from 1.1 to 0.49, and this result is strongly associated with the lower bioaccumulations levels found for Hg, Mn, Se and V. Others metals such as As, Pb, Ni and Zn bioaccumulation levels remain approximately the same, conversely, it is revealed a slight increase of Cd and Cr. Overall, the present study show a positive picture of the studied area, the Gulf of Catania, highlighting not only a decreased metal availability of the study area, but, above all, a decreased risk to develop chronic systemic effects derived from consumption of local seafood.

Marine pollution in the Libyan coastal area: Environmental and risk assessment

A comprehensive assessment of the potential adverse effects on environment and human health generated by the inputs of chemicals from the most important Libyan petrochemical plant is presented. Ecotoxicological risk associated with the presence of As, Hg, Ni, Zn and PAHs in marine sediments is low or moderate, with a probability of toxicity for ecosystem <9% and <20% for heavy metals and PAHs respectively. However, surface sediments result strongly enriched in Hg and As of anthropogenic origin. Investigation of metals in fish allowed to assess potential risks for human populations via fish intake. Target hazard quotients values indicate potential risk associated to toxic metals exposure by fish consumption and lifetime cancer risk (TR) values highlight a potential carcinogen risk associated to As intake. Noteworthy, the presented results provide an unprecedented environmental dataset in an area where the availability of field data is very scant, for a better understanding of anthropogenic impacts at Mediterranean scale.

Bioaccumulation of trace metals in banded Persian bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium arabicum) from the Persian Gulf: A food safety issue

Persian bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium arabicum) was collected from two sites of the Khozestan province, northern basin of Persian Gulf, with the aim to identify differences in metal concentrations between fishing areas as well as the risk for human health due to consumption of the selected species. We analyzed Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg, Cd and Ni in muscle and liver tissues of specimens from both areas of study using atomic adsorption spectrometry. Statistical elaborations revealed higher bioaccumulation of metals in livers than muscle as well as in the site of worthy of Musa as regards Zn, Pb and Ni than the site of worthy of Darvis, due to the more intensive anthropogenic input. The risk for consumers is low for the most of metals, with the exception of the THQ for Hg, which resulted next to the level of risk with high frequencies of consumption.

Dietary exposure to toxic and essential trace elements by consumption of wild and farmed carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) in Iran

This study was conducted to determine and compare the concentrations of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), and selenium (Se) in the muscle of wild and farmed carp (Cyprinus carpio) and wild and farmed Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) collected from south-western Caspian Sea areas of Iran between December 2014 and March 2015. In addition, risk assessment of consumers to exposure to metals through fish consumption was estimated. In all the samples, the arsenic concentration was lower than the detection limit. The Pb, Cd, Hg and Mn concentrations were significantly higher in the wild fish samples compared to the farmed fish samples. There was no significant difference in the Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni and Se concentrations of the wild and farmed carp and the wild and farmed Caspian kutum. Iron displayed the highest concentration of all the analysed metals in both the wild and farmed fish, followed by Zn and Cu. The highest Hg, Cd, Pb, Ni, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co and Se concentrations were 0.056, 0.011, 0.065, 0.120, 4.151, 3.792, 2.948, 2.690, 0.037 and 0.162 μg g^-1, respectively. The estimated daily intake of all metals was acceptable, and the hazard quotient values showed that consumption of the analysed fish posed no health risk to consumers.

B(a)P adduct levels and fertility: A cross‑sectional study in a Sicilian population

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon for human tissues. Still today it is not fully investigated if BaP can affect negatively the male fertility through the BaP-DNA adducts production. In the present study, BaP Tetrol I-1 (TI-1) and BaP Tetrol II-2 (TII-2) BaP-DNA adducts were investigated in spermatozoa of a Sicilian male population. Semen samples from 86 volunteers in two eastern Sicilian cities (Regalbuto and Melilli) were collected. The quality of semen was evaluated in all samples according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. We analyzed BaP-DNA adducts in extracted sperm cell DNA using the modified high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence method to detects both Tetrols. Differences between Tetrol levels were assessed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. Correlation between semen quality parameters and Tetrol concentrations were analyzed using the Spearman's correlation coefficient. Σ(TI-1+TII-2) were significantly higher in spermatozoa of volunteers from Regalbuto. Furthermore, a greater dispersion of the levels of adducts was observed in these specimens. TI-1 adducts were higher than TII-2 in Melilli samples (95% CI) and TII-2 were higher than TI-1 in Regalbuto semen samples (95% CI). A significant inverse correlation between sperm progressive motility and both TI-1 and TII-2 adducts was observed. The present study showed that BaP negatively affects male fertility by TI-1 and TII-2 DNA-adduct production. These results suggest that DNA adducts could be used as biomarker to assess BaP exposure by air pollution. Further studies are needed to confirm if these findings could affect male fertility because of the growing impairment of this function observed in recent years.

Heavy metal content and molecular species identification in canned tuna: Insights into human food safety

Canned tuna in olive oil and in brine of the most popular brands sold in Italian markets were analyzed to verify the authentication of transformed products, with the aim to unveil commercial frauds due to the substitutions of high value species with species of low commercial value, and to assess the health risk of consumers related to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) contents. Species authentication was evaluated with amplification of COI DNA barcode and confirmed the declared species. Among tested metals, Hg had the highest concentrations, followed by Cd and Pb. None of the tested samples surpassed the European regulatory limits no. 1881/2006 fixed for Hg and Pb, whereas one batch of canned tuna in olive oil exceeded standard for Cd. Risk for human health was evaluated by the metals daily intake and target hazard quotient (THQ). As a result, Cd and Pb did not exceed the toxicological reference values established by World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Conversely, Hg content suggests a consumption no more than once a week and a continuous surveillance of this fishery products for consumer protection.

Environmentally induced tissue responses of hematopoietic system in abu mullet (Liza abu) and tiger tooth croaker (Otolithes ruber) from the Persian Gulf

The present investigation aimed to assess the possibility of using plasma levels of erythropoietin (EPO) hormone and tissue changes of hematopoietic organs as biomarkers of environmental pollution in abu mullet (Liza abu) and tiger tooth croaker (Otolithes ruber) collected from Musa Creek (northwest of the Persian Gulf). 120 L. abu and O. ruber were collected from five stations at the Musa Creek: Petrochemical, Ghanam, Doragh, Zangi and Patil stations. Blood samples were obtained from the caudal vein. Tissue samples were also taken from the spleen and head kidney, and tissue sections were prepared according to routine histological methods. The concentrations of Hg, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd were also measured in the sediment samples. The minimum level of EPO and the most severe tissue changes were determined in fish collected near a Petrochemical station. This station is adjacent to the Imam Khomeini Petrochemical Complex and receives highly contaminated effluents from this complex. The highest degree of contamination (C_d) also belonged to this station. The fish collected from the Patil station represented the highest EPO level and the least tissue changes. This station exhibited a lesser degree of contamination. Based on the results, there was a significant correlation between the plasma level of EPO hormone and the degree of environmental contamination.

Gene Expression Profiling in Fish Toxicology: A Review

In this review, we present an overview of transcriptomic responses to chemical exposures in a variety of fish species. We have discussed the use of several molecular approaches such as northern blotting, differential display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR), suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), microarrays, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for measuring gene expression. These techniques have been mainly used to measure the toxic effects of single compounds or simple mixtures in laboratory conditions. In addition, only few studies have been conducted to examine the biological significance of differentially expressed gene sets following chemical exposure. Therefore, future studies should focus more under field conditions using a multidisciplinary approach (genomics, proteomics and metabolomics) to understand the synergetic effects of multiple environmental stressors and to determine the functional significance of differentially expressed genes. Nevertheless, recent developments in NGS technologies and decreasing costs of sequencing holds the promise to uncover the complexity of anthropogenic impacts and biological effects in wild fish populations.

Heavy metal concentrations in edible muscle of whitecheek shark, Carcharhinus dussumieri (elasmobranchii, chondrichthyes) from the Persian Gulf: A food safety issue

Together with several health benefits, fish meat could lead to heavy metal intoxication of consumers. In this study, we discuss Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg and Cd concentrations in fillets of forty specimens of Carcharhinus dussumieri, analyzed with atomic adsorption spectroscopy (AAS). The potential human health risks due to consumption of C. dussumieri was assessed by estimating average daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) of metals. The average concentrations of metals measured in this study were (ppm dry weight): Cu 7.49 ± 0.25; Zn 3.47 ± 0.26; Pb 0.12 ± 0.03; Hg 0.028 ± 0.02; Cd 0.11 ± 0.03. Our results showed that no metal exceeded the EC and FAO limits. Cu and Cd accumulate in muscles with a body length (age)-dependent manner. The exposure daily intake of all toxic metals analyzed was found lower than the PTDI provided by WHO and the THQ resulted lower than 1, suggesting no risk for human health derived from consumption.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Haliotis tuberculata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mollusca, Gastropoda): Considerations on food safety and source investigation

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were analyzed in wild specimens of Haliotis tuberculata from three sites of the Sothern Ionian Sea. The species Ht is commonly found at these sites and has significant commercial value. Main results revealed mean values of benzo(a)pyrene higher than the threshold set by Regulation No. 835/2011/EU in all sampling sites and the sum of selected PAHs, expressed as ΣPAH4 by EC Regulation, were below the limit set by the same Regulation in ME and VSG. We found generally higher concentrations than literature finding, especially for low molecular weight PAHs, and results of diagnostic ratios highlighted both pyrolytic and petrogenic sources. The potential human health risks due consumption of Ht by local inhabitants have been assessed by exposure daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ) and lifetime cancer risk (CR). EDI values were below the intake range reviewed by EFSA for each class of contaminant. BaP daily intake was below the value of 10 ng/Kg/day, suggested by JFCFA, and CRBaP was slightly higher than the acceptable risk level (ARL) of 1×10(-5). Conversely, target hazard quotient (THQ) resulted always below 1, thus the risk to develop chronic systemic effects due naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, anthracene, fluoranthene and pyrene was low.

Assessment of essential elements and chemical contaminants in thirteen fish species from the Bay Aratu, Bahia, Brasil

Abstract Concentrations of ten elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, V and Zn) were determinate in muscle tissues of 13 fish species from Aratu Bay, Bahia, Brazil by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The accuracy and precision of our results were checked by using two certified reference materials: BCR-422 cod muscle and SRM 1566b oyster tissue. The average trace element concentrations in the fish species varied in the following ranges, in μg g–1: 0.03-0.8 for Cr; 2.0-33.7 for Cu, 2.4-135.1 for Fe, 1.6-25.6 for Se; 1.6-35.1 for Sr; and 2.8-40.5 for Zn. The Diaptereus rhombeus (carapeba) specie presented the highest concentrations of Se, Cu and Fe. Chromium and Se were present at levels above the limit of tolerance allowed by the National Agency of Sanitary Vigilance (ANVISA). The results were also evaluated using the multivariate analysis techniques: principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA).

Bioaccumulation of arsenic and selenium in bycatch fishes Diapterus peruvianus, Pseudupeneus grandisquamis, and Trachinotus kennedyi from shrimp trawling in the continental shelf of Guerrero, México

With the aim of determining arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) concentrations in bycatch fishes from SW Mexico and comparing elemental concentrations with limits for human consumption set in the national and international legislation, three fish species (Diapterus peruvianus, Pseudupeneus grandisquamis, and Trachinotus kennedyi) were collected from Guerrero state during trawling operations. Additionally, As and Se levels in muscle tissue were compared with similar species from diverse areas. The order of As and Se concentrations was T. kennedyi>P. grandisquamis>D. peruvianus. In Mexico, there is no regulation of As and Se levels in fish. In comparison to the legal limit (0.1 μg g(-1) wet weight) set by legislation in Venezuela, As levels in the edible portion of T. kennedyi (0.632 μg g(-1) wet weight), P. grandisquamis (0.166 μg g(-1) wet weight), and D. peruvianus (0.157 μg g(-1) wet weight) were above this limit. In the case of Se, average concentrations in T. kennedyi (0.323 μg g(-1) wet weight) were above the maximum permissible limit (0.30 μg g(-1) wet weight) set in the Chilean legislation. Se concentrations in Carangoides bajad from Saudi Arabia were comparable to values in T. kennedyi (this study). In relation to As, concentrations varied in magnitude orders; the highest As concentration (range 10.35 to 23.71 μg g(-1) wet weight) corresponded to Mullus barbatus from the Iberian Mediterranean.

Are red mullet efficient as bio-indicators of mercury contamination? A case study from the French Mediterranean

Mercury (Hg) is one of the main chemicals currently altering Mediterranean ecosystems. Red mullet (Mullus barbatus and M. surmuletus) have been widely used as quantitative bio-indicators of chemical contamination. In this study, we reassess the ability of these species to be used as efficient bio-indicators of Hg contamination by monitoring during 18 months Hg concentrations in muscle tissue of mullet sampled from 5 French Mediterranean coastal areas. Mean concentrations ranged between 0.23 and 0.78 μg g(-1) dry mass for both species. Values were consistent with expected contamination patterns of all sites except Corsica. Results confirmed that red mullets are efficient bio-indicators of Hg contamination. Nevertheless, the observed variability in Hg concentrations calls for caution regarding the period and the sample size. Attention should be paid to environmental and biologic specificities of each studied site, as they can alter the bioaccumulation of Hg, and lead to inferences about environmental Hg concentrations.

A risk assessment of heavy metal concentrations in fish and an invertebrate from the Gulf of Antalya

This study was conducted to determine the levels of Cd, Cu, Zn and Pb in the Red mullet (Mullus barbatus), Grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) and Green tiger prawn (Panaeus semisulcatus) species caught in the Gulf of Antalya and to assess the health risks associated with their consumption. The average values (mg/kg d.w.) were calculated to be Pb (0.29 ± 0.14), Cd (0.02 ± 0.03), Zn (5.64 ± 1.58) and Cu (1.64 ± 1.02) in M. barbatus; Pb (0.22 ± 0.12), Cd (0.02 ± 0.01), Zn (7.66 ± 2.29) and Cu (1.33 ± 0.82) in M. cephalus; Pb (0.25 ± 0.16), Cd (0.04 ± 0.05), Zn (13.33 ± 3.34) and Cu (5.15 ± 2.09) in P. semisulcatus. The detected levels of the studied metals were below the legal and daily intake limits according to national and international standards, although the mean Pb level in M. barbatus was close to the legal limit (0.30 mg/kg). Target hazard quotient values were also all below 1, meaning that there is no health risk.

Environmental quality of Italian marine water by means of marine strategy framework directive (MSFD) descriptor 9

ISPRA, on behalf of the Italian Ministry of Environment, carried out the initial assessment of environmental quality status of the 3 Italian subregions (Mediterranean Sea Region) on Descriptor 9. The approach adopted to define the GES started to verify that contaminants in fish and other seafood for human consumption did not exceed levels established by Community legislation (Reg. 1881/2006 and further updates). As the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) requires to use health tools to assess the environment, Italy decided to adopt a statistical range of acceptance of thresholds identified by national (D.Lgs. 152/2006 concerning water quality required for mussel farms) and international legislation (Reg. 1881/2006 and further updates), which allowed to use the health results and to employ them for the assessment of environmental quality. Italy proposed that Good Environmental Status (GES) is achieved when concentrations are lower than statistical range of acceptance, estimated on samples of fish and fishery products coming from only national waters. GIS-based approach a to perform different integration levels for station, cell's grid and years, was used; the elaborations allowed to judge the environmental quality good.

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs and oxygenated PAHs) and trace metals in fish species from Ghana (West Africa): bioaccumulation and health risk assessment

We report the concentrations of 28 PAHs, 15 oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs) and 11 trace metals/metalloids (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in muscle and gut+gill tissues of demersal fishes (Drapane africana, Cynoglossus senegalensis and Pomadasys peroteti) from three locations along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea (Ghana). The concentrations of ∑28PAHs in muscle tissues averaged 192ngg(-1) dw (range: 71-481ngg(-1) dw) and were not statistically different between locations. The concentrations of ∑28 PAHs were higher in guts+gills than in muscles. The PAH composition pattern was dominated by low molecular weight compounds (naphthalene, alkyl-naphthalenes and phenanthrene). All fish tissues had benzo[a]pyrene concentrations lower than the EU limit for food safety. Excess cancer risk from consumption of some fish was higher than the guideline value of 1×10(-6). The concentrations of ∑15 OPAHs in fish muscles averaged 422ngg(-1) dw (range: 28-1715ngg(-1)dw). The ∑15 OPAHs/∑16 US-EPA PAHs concentration ratio was >1 in 68% of the fish muscles and 100% of guts+gills. The log-transformed concentrations of PAHs and OPAHs in muscles, guts+gills were significantly (p<0.05) correlated with their octanol-water partitioning coefficients, strongly suggesting that equilibrium partitioning from water/sediment into fish tissue was the main mechanism of bioaccumulation. The trace metal concentrations in the fish tissues were in the medium range when compared to fish from other parts of the world. The concentrations of some trace metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) were higher in guts+gills than in muscle tissues. The target hazard quotients for metals were<1 and did not indicate a danger to the local population. We conclude that the health risk arising from the consumption of the studied fish (due to their PAHs and trace metals content) is minimal.

Mercury and selenium intake by seafood from the Ionian Sea: A risk evaluation

The subject of the present study is the evaluation of the concentrations of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) in fish and shellfish from the Gulf of Catania (Ionian Sea) and the assessment of related risk-based consumption limits per single contaminant in adults and children. In contrast to the potential harm from Hg, Se is an essential element that is normally found in high levels in seafood. If the amount of Hg is high enough, it could bind Se and irreversibly inhibit selenium-dependent enzymes. Thus, adequate levels of Se need to be available to replace the amount of Se lost to Hg sequestration, thereby maintaining normal selenoprotein synthesis. Hg analysis was conducted using a flow injection analysis system coupled with an atomic adsorption spectrometer, and Se analysis was conducted using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Of the trace elements investigated, only Hg has a limit set by the European Community for human consumption, and this was never exceeded. Nevertheless, based on Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) over 1, and on the Estimated Daily Intake per meal (EDIm) higher than the Provisional Tolerable Intake (PTI) suggested by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additive (JECFA), Hg oral exposure derived from consumption of the benthonic fish and of the bigger pelagic fish species analyzed, could follow the occurrence of systemic effects. Se was found always in molar excess respect to Hg in all pelagic fish and in the shellfish, nearly equimolar in the benthonic fish. Determining the evidence that foods, such as pelagic fish, with high molar excess of Se, could contribute to replace the amount of Se bound to Hg and thereby maintaining normal selenoprotein synthesis, is useful for a better understanding of the seafood safety.

Ligia italica (Isopoda, Oniscidea) as bioindicator of mercury pollution of marine rocky coasts

In this study, we evaluated the possible role of Ligia italica as a bioindicator for the monitoring of heavy metals pollution in the suppralittoral zone of marine rocky coasts. Between 2004 and 2011 specimens of L. italica were collected along the Eastern Sicilian coasts from sites known for their high pollution levels as they are near to an area where in September 2001 a refinery plant discharged into the sea some waste containing Hg. Other specimens were collected from the Vendicari Natural Reserve located about 30 miles from the polluted sites and used as control area. On a consistent number of animals, the concentration in toto of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, V, was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. On other animals, investigations were carried out in order to check for ultrastructural alterations of the hepatopancreas, that is the main metals storage organ in isopods. Results revealed the presence, in the animals collected in 2004 from the polluted sites, of considerable concentrations of Hg and of lower concentrations of other metals such as As, Pb and V. The Hg bioaccumulation resulted in remarkable ultrastructural alterations of the two cellular types (B and S cells) in the epithelium of the hepatopancreas. Surprisingly, a moderate amount of Hg was also found in specimens collected in 2004 from the Vendicari Natural Reserve, proving that the Hg pollution can also spread many miles away. Animals collected from the polluted sites in the following years showed a progressively decreasing Hg content, reaching very low levels in those from the last sampling. Also, the ultrastructural alterations found in the hepatopancreas of the animals from the last sample were quite irrelevant. In conclusion, Ligia italica can represent a good bioindicator and the ultrastructure of the hepatopancreas could be used as ultrastructural biomarker of heavy metals pollution in the supralittoral zones.