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Belmonte A, Muñoz P, Romero D. Lead and cadmium in blood and tissues of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus L., 1758). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115993. [PMID: 38217913 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels in blood and tissues of Atlantic bluefin tuna were analysed to gather information regarding their distribution, accumulation and inter-relationships, as well as to examine how sex affects them. In the whole population, the concentration range was from below the detection limit (bone) to 8.512 μg g-1 (liver) for Cd, and from below detection limit (bone and gills) to 0.063 μg g-1 (kidney) for Pb. The median concentration in the muscles (0.008 and 0.029 μg g-1 for Cd and Pb, respectively) was 10 times less than the maximum permitted for consumption. Sex was shown to be an important variable affecting concentrations of Cd in both liver and kidneys, so taking into account sex when interpreting results is highly recommended. The importance of Cd and Pb bioaccumulation in fishery by-products, increasingly important in commercial circuits, is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Belmonte
- TAXON Estudios Ambientales S.L., C/Uruguay s/n, 30820 Alcantarilla, Spain
| | - Pilar Muñoz
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Diego Romero
- Toxicology Department, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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2
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Varrà MO, Husáková L, Patočka J, Ianieri A, Ghidini S, Zanardi E. Cadmium, lead, and mercury in two commercial squid species from the north Adriatic Sea (central Mediterranean): contamination levels and health risk assessment. Ital J Food Saf 2023; 12:11037. [PMID: 37405142 PMCID: PMC10316270 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and total mercury (Hg) concentrations in European squids (Loligo vulgaris) and flying squids (Todarodes sagittatus) from the northern Adriatic Sea (Italy) were analyzed. The risk of the Italian population being exposed to potentially hazardous metal concentrations through the consumption of these products was also assessed. Compared to European squids, flying squids showed three times higher total Hg concentrations and one hundred times higher Cd concentrations to the point that more than 6 and 25% of the samples exceeded the maximum Hg and Cd limits established by the current legislation. From the evaluation of dietary exposure levels, it emerged that the consumption of flying squids was associated with the highest Pb intake by children and, consequently, with the lower margin of exposure values in relation to the risk of neurotoxicity (margin of exposure=33). Consumption of flying squids, especially by children, was also associated with higher intakes of Cd, inorganic, and methyl-Hg, which, respectively, accounted for 156, 113, and 23% of the tolerable weekly intakes established for these contaminants at European level. The obtained results raise concern and it may be necessary to provide specific dietary advice on the moderate dietary consumption of some cephalopod species, especially to the youngest and most vulnerable segment of the population. However, besides the highly conservative deterministic method adopted in this study, a refined consumer exposure assessment should be performed through the probabilistic methodology, which is more suitable to represent the real exposure scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lenka Husáková
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Patočka
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Czech Republic
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Heavy Metals Concentration in Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) from the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast and Potential Human Health Risk Assessment. J FOOD QUALITY 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/1455410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their toxicity, long persistence, bioaccumulative nature, and biomagnification in the food chain, heavy metals pose a serious hazard. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health risks associated with the consumption of Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) and to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of four potentially toxic metallic elements. Three hundred and sixty specimens of sardine were collected between December 2020 and October 2021 at three Mediterranean coast sites, Beni-Ensar, Ras el Ma, and El-Houceima, in the northeast region of Morocco. The toxic metallic elements were evaluated by assessing the contamination level of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) in the muscle, liver, and gills of sardine from the Mediterranean Moroccan coast. The results showed a significant effect of the study area, organ, and season (
) on Moroccan Mediterranean sardine heavy metal contamination levels. Regardless the location and season, the liver presents the higher concentration of the studied metals (
). The highest heavy metal concentrations of Cd (0.408 μg·g−1 wet weight (ww)), Hg (0.044 μg·g−1 ww), and As (6.74 μg·g−1 ww) were found in winter while the concentration of Pb was the highest in autumn (0.056 μg·g−1 ww). Furthermore, the lowest contamination of metal levels was found in the spring. El-Houceima region contains the highest values for Hg (0.093 μg·g−1 ww), Pb (0.018 μg·g−1 ww), and As (7.73 μg·g−1 ww). However, the highest values for Cd (0.172 μg·g−1 ww) were recorded in Beni-Ensar. Regarding the assessment of possible risks to human health, the results showed that the indices are below the established safety values in the case of estimated weekly intake, and target hazard quotient (THQ). In contrast, the carcinogenic risk index and total THQ were above the threshold limits and thus represented a potential carcinogenic risk to human health.
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Hernández-López M, Romero D. Chronic Microplastic Exposure and Cadmium Accumulation in Blue Crabs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095631. [PMID: 35565023 PMCID: PMC9101546 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic ecosystems are severely threatened by the presence of a multitude of pollutants. In seas and oceans, the amount of plastics continues to increase and there is great concern about toxic element accumulation. Specifically, cadmium (Cd), a toxic metal, is highly relevant to public health safety due to its ability to accumulate in the internal tissues of crustaceans; likewise, microplastics (MPs) are emerging as pollutants capable of causing alterations in marine organisms. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate the accumulation and distribution of Cd in the tissue of blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) chronically exposed to MPs (25 μg L-1). In total, 24 crabs were exposed in water for 118 days to 2 types of MPs (virgin and oxidised). During the final 21 days of the experiment, the crabs were fed with tuna liver, a viscera in which Cd accumulates (mean of 7.262 µg g-1). The presence of MPs caused no changes in Cd concentrations in either the haemolymph or tissues (hepatopancreas, gills, and muscles) of the crabs, although for oxidised MPs, there was a positive correlation between Cd concentrations in the hepatopancreas and muscles, a relevant finding for food safety.
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Chanto-García DA, Saber S, Macías D, Sureda A, Hernández-Urcera J, Cabanellas-Reboredo M. Species-specific heavy metal concentrations of tuna species: the case of Thunnus alalunga and Katsuwonus pelamis in the Western Mediterranean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:1278-1288. [PMID: 34355312 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15700-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Albacore Thunnus alalunga and skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis are highly migratory species that are usually caught together in the Western Mediterranean. These species are top predators that are highly affected by the biomagnification process through the trophic chain. Bioaccumulation pattern of the main metal pollutants (mercury, Hg; lead, Pb; and cadmium, Cd) were analyzed in muscle tissues of 52 individuals (26 T. alalunga and 26 K. pelamis) of these highly consumed species in order to address two objectives: (1) compare the species-specific bioaccumulation between these large-pelagic species, and (2) assess the healthy properties of such valuable resources based on the trace metal limits established by the European Commission Regulation (ECR). Both generalized linear mixed models and redundancy analysis indicated a differential bioaccumulation between these two tuna species. While T. alalunga accumulates higher concentrations of Hg (0.1996 ± 0.0602 mg·kg-1 weight wet-ww), K. pelamis accumulates higher concentrations of Cd (0.0076 ± 0.0049 mg·kg-1 ww) and Pb (0.0031 ± 0.0017 mg·kg-1 ww). Size and trophic ecology support the differences detected in the bioaccumulation pattern. Heavy metal concentrations were below the tolerable limits considered by ECR (1, 0.1, and 0.3 mg·kg-1 ww for Hg, Cd, and Pb, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sámar Saber
- Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga (IEO, CSIC), Puerto pesquero s/n, Málaga, 29640, Fuengirola, Spain
| | - David Macías
- Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga (IEO, CSIC), Puerto pesquero s/n, Málaga, 29640, Fuengirola, Spain
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress and Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), University of Balearic Islands-IUNICS, E-07122, Palma, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Hernández-Urcera
- Department of Ecology and Marine Resources, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208, Vigo, Spain
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Kljaković-Gašpić Z, Tičina V. Mercury and selenium levels in archive samples of wild Atlantic bluefin tuna from the Mediterranean Sea. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 284:131402. [PMID: 34323802 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examined total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) levels in archive samples (white and red muscles, liver, gills) of the wild Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT) (Thunnus thynnus) (n = 18) captured in the central Adriatic Sea. The influence of fish size, age, and tissue type on element distribution was examined. There were significant differences in THg and Se levels, and Se:THg molar ratios among tissues. THg levels were highest in liver and lowest in gills (liver > red muscle > white muscle > gills), while Se levels were also highest in liver but lowest in white muscle (liver > red muscle > gills > white muscle). Se:THg molar ratios were highest in gills (22-82), intermediate in liver (11-29) and red muscle (7-36), and lowest in white muscle (1.7-7.6). Concentrations of THg in all tissues and Se in liver and caudal muscle were positively correlated with tuna age and size, while the Se:THg molar ratio in gills and all white muscles was negatively correlated with tuna age and size, indicating that the protective role of Se against THg is reduced in older specimens. The selenium health benefit values (HBVSe) were above zero in all tissues, indicating a small excess of Se after Hg sequestration. However, since the obtained HBVSe for edible tissues were near zero (0.01-0.04), and more than 70% of white muscle samples and all red muscle samples exceeded the EU regulatory limit for THg in fish muscle, it would be advisable to limit their intake in adults to one meal per month.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorana Kljaković-Gašpić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10001, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Vjekoslav Tičina
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, PO Box 500, 21000, Split, Croatia.
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7
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Lischka A, Bustamante P, Braid H, Piatkowski U, Lacoue-Labarthe T. Trophic ecology drives trace element concentrations in the Antarctic octopod community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 768:144373. [PMID: 33454479 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the Antarctic Ocean being considered a pristine environment, elevated trace element concentrations have been reported in many marine organisms. The Antarctic Ocean is particularly vulnerable to climate change, which can also affect the bioaccumulation of trace element concentrations in biota. While Antarctic octopods are key components of the regional food webs as prey for a variety of predators (e.g., seals, fish, and seabirds), their contamination state by trace elements remains largely unknown. This study investigated the trace element concentrations in relation to the trophic ecology in Antarctic octopods. Stable isotope values (δ13C and δ15N) and trace element concentrations (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V, and Zn) were measured in eight different species (Adelieledone polymorpha, Pareledone aequipapillae, P. albimaculata, P. aurata, P. charcoti, P. cornuta, P. felix, and P. turqueti) sampled near Elephant Island, close to the Antarctic Peninsula. Stable isotopes of δ15N varied among species, with significant differences between A. polymorpha and P. aurata suggesting potential niche segregation. Trace element concentrations also differed among species and with sampling depth, which likely reflects their trophic ecology. The data presented in this study provides the first insight into the trace element concentrations for these endemic octopods in this vulnerable habitat and their stable isotope values.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lischka
- AUT Lab for Cephalopod Ecology & Systematics, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, 1142 Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - P Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| | - H Braid
- AUT Lab for Cephalopod Ecology & Systematics, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, 1142 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - U Piatkowski
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - T Lacoue-Labarthe
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
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8
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Bioaccumulation Levels and Potential Health Risks of Mercury, Cadmium, and Lead in Albacore ( Thunnus alalunga, Bonnaterre, 1788) from The Aegean Sea, Greece. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16050821. [PMID: 30845745 PMCID: PMC6427763 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16050821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aegean Sea albacore (T. alalunga), fresh or processed, is marketed locally in Greece or exported, mainly to Japan, Italy, Spain, and France. To provide information for consumers and biomonitoring programs and assess the potential human health risks, concentrations of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were determined in albacore edible muscle samples from two fishing grounds of the Aegean Sea, Greece via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). Of the 82 individuals, 28 contained Cd and three contained Pb above the permissible limits set by the European Union (0.1 mg kg−1 wet wt and 0.3 mg kg−1 wet wt, respectively). None of the samples contained mercury above the limit (1.0 mg kg−1 wet wt). Potential health risks to human via dietary intake of albacore were estimated by the total target hazard quotients (TTHQs), which indicated that the consumers could acquire health problems due to consumption of Aegean Sea albacore. Thus consequently, concentrations of toxic heavy metals in albacore, especially mercury, must be monitored regularly and comprehensively with respect to consumer health.
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Traina A, Bono G, Bonsignore M, Falco F, Giuga M, Quinci EM, Vitale S, Sprovieri M. Heavy metals concentrations in some commercially key species from Sicilian coasts (Mediterranean Sea): Potential human health risk estimation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 168:466-478. [PMID: 30419523 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.10.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Traina
- Institute for the study of Anthropogenic impacts and Sustainability in marine environment (IAS - CNR), Via del Mare 3, 91021 Torretta Granitola, Campobello di Mazara, TP, Italy.
| | - Gioacchino Bono
- Institute for BIological Resources and Marine biotechnologies (IRBIM - CNR), Via Vaccara 61, 91026 Mazara del Vallo, TP, Italy
| | - Maria Bonsignore
- Institute for the study of Anthropogenic impacts and Sustainability in marine environment (IAS - CNR), Via del Mare 3, 91021 Torretta Granitola, Campobello di Mazara, TP, Italy
| | - Francesca Falco
- Institute for the study of Anthropogenic impacts and Sustainability in marine environment (IAS - CNR), Via del Mare 3, 91021 Torretta Granitola, Campobello di Mazara, TP, Italy
| | - Marta Giuga
- Institute for the study of Anthropogenic impacts and Sustainability in marine environment (IAS - CNR), Via del Mare 3, 91021 Torretta Granitola, Campobello di Mazara, TP, Italy
| | - Enza Maria Quinci
- Institute for the study of Anthropogenic impacts and Sustainability in marine environment (IAS - CNR), Via del Mare 3, 91021 Torretta Granitola, Campobello di Mazara, TP, Italy
| | - Sergio Vitale
- Institute for BIological Resources and Marine biotechnologies (IRBIM - CNR), Via Vaccara 61, 91026 Mazara del Vallo, TP, Italy
| | - Mario Sprovieri
- Institute for the study of Anthropogenic impacts and Sustainability in marine environment (IAS - CNR), Via del Mare 3, 91021 Torretta Granitola, Campobello di Mazara, TP, Italy
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Pappalardo AM, Copat C, Ferrito V, Grasso A, Ferrante M. Heavy metal content and molecular species identification in canned tuna: Insights into human food safety. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:3430-3437. [PMID: 28339012 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Pappalardo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Copat
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Venera Ferrito
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Alfina Grasso
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
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García MÁ, Núñez R, Alonso J, Melgar MJ. Total mercury in fresh and processed tuna marketed in Galicia (NW Spain) in relation to dietary exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:24960-24969. [PMID: 27672045 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a toxic trace metal, which can accumulate to levels threatening human and environmental health. In this study, contents of total mercury have been determined by ICP-MS spectrometry in fresh and processed tuna (110 samples) purchased from supermarkets in NW Spain. Mercury was present in all samples analyzed; however, only one sample of fresh tuna (1.070 mg kg-1 wet weight (w.w.)) slightly exceeded the limit of the EU (1.0 mg kg-1 w.w.). The average mercury concentration in processed tuna was lower than fresh, 0.306 mg kg-1 w.w., and ranged from 0.080 to 0.715 mg kg-1 w.w. Results were compared with literature data. In regard to the three types of preparation-packaging media for canned tuna, total Hg content was found in the following order: olive oil > natural > pickled sauce; the last showed significant statistical differences (p < 0.01) with the other two preparations. Between the two evaluated canned tuna species, significant statistical differences (p = 0.008) were observed and Thunnus alalunga presented a greater mean content (0.332 ± 0.114 mg kg-1 w.w.) compared to Thunnus albacares (0.266 ± 0.171 mg kg-1 w.w.).Taking into account the AESAN recommendation for adults and children, as well as the EU regulations and the tuna consumption by the Spanish population, the Hg levels obtained in this study pose no risk to consumer health. However, additional studies, a monitoring process, and efforts to reduce Hg concentration in tuna would be necessary, as well as considering other sources of exposure to Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ángeles García
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ricardo Núñez
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Julián Alonso
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - M Julia Melgar
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain.
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12
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Galimberti C, Corti I, Cressoni M, Moretti VM, Menotta S, Galli U, Cambiaghi D. Evaluation of mercury, cadmium and lead levels in fish and fishery products imported by air in North Italy from extra-European Union Countries. Food Control 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2015.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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13
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Bosch AC, O'Neill B, Sigge GO, Kerwath SE, Hoffman LC. Heavy metals in marine fish meat and consumer health: a review. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2016; 96:32-48. [PMID: 26238481 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The numerous health benefits provided by fish consumption may be compromised by the presence of toxic metals and metalloids such as lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury, which can have harmful effects on the human body if consumed in toxic quantities. The monitoring of metal concentrations in fish meat is therefore important to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and consequent consumer protection. The toxicity of these metals may be dependent on their chemical forms, which requires metal speciation processes for direct measurement of toxic metal species or the identification of prediction models in order to determine toxic metal forms from measured total metal concentrations. This review addresses various shortcomings in current knowledge and research on the accumulation of metal contaminants in commercially consumed marine fish globally and particularly in South Africa, affecting both the fishing industry as well as fish consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina C Bosch
- Department of Food Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - Bernadette O'Neill
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - Gunnar O Sigge
- Department of Food Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - Sven E Kerwath
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Private Bag X2, Rogge Bay, 8012, South Africa
| | - Louwrens C Hoffman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
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Barone G, Storelli A, Garofalo R, Busco VP, Quaglia NC, Centrone G, Storelli MM. Assessment of mercury and cadmium via seafood consumption in Italy: estimated dietary intake (EWI) and target hazard quotient (THQ). Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2015; 32:1277-86. [DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2015.1055594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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15
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Chen CY, Lai CC, Chen KS, Hsu CC, Hung CC, Chen MH. Total and organic mercury concentrations in the muscles of Pacific albacore (Thunnus alalunga) and bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 85:606-612. [PMID: 24559740 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Muscles of 115 North Pacific albacore (ALB, Thunnus alalunga) and 75 Pacific bigeye tuna (BET, Thunnus obesus), collected from 2001 to 2006, were analyzed. No ALB, but 13 large BET had organic mercury (OH g) concentrations exceeding 1 μg g(-1) wet weight. For both ALB and BET, total mercury (THg) and OH g concentrations were significantly and positively correlated with fork length (FL) and body weight. The muscle Hg bioaccumulation rates of BET were higher than those of ALB, particularly in the adult fish. Moreover, the lines had crossover points among the two species that imply the young BET (FL<110 cm) contains lower muscle Hg concentrations than ALB of the same size. The suggested weekly dietary intake of ALB and small-BET meats is 340 g, and of BET meat it is 150 g for a 60-kg person based on the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of methylmercury set by the WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiee-Young Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung Marine University, Kaohsiung 81143, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Cheng Lai
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Shu Chen
- Department of Oceanography and Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; Institute of Oceanography, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chung Hsu
- Institute of Oceanography, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chang Hung
- Department of Oceanography and Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; Taiwan Ocean Research Institute, National Applied Research Laboratories, Kaohsiung 85243, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsien Chen
- Department of Oceanography and Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.
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16
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Galitsopoulou A, Georgantelis D, Kontominas M. Effect of thermal processing and canning on cadmium and lead levels in California market squid: the role of metallothioneins. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2013; 30:1900-8. [DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2013.838324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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17
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Mol S, Ozden O, Karakulak S. Levels of Selected Metals in Albacore (Thunnus alalunga, Bonnaterre, 1788) from the Eastern Mediterranean. JOURNAL OF AQUATIC FOOD PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/10498850.2011.586489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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18
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Determination of copper, lead, cadmium and zinc content in commercially valuable fish species from the Persian Gulf using derivative potentiometric stripping analysis. Microchem J 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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20
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Vieira C, Morais S, Ramos S, Delerue-Matos C, Oliveira MBPP. Mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic levels in three pelagic fish species from the Atlantic Ocean: intra- and inter-specific variability and human health risks for consumption. Food Chem Toxicol 2010; 49:923-32. [PMID: 21193008 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2010.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2010] [Revised: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Three commonly consumed and commercially valuable fish species (sardine, chub and horse mackerel) were collected from the Northeast and Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean in Portuguese waters during one year. Mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic amounts were determined in muscles using graphite furnace and cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry. Maximum mean levels of mercury (0.1715 ± 0.0857 mg/kg, ww) and arsenic (1.139 ± 0.350 mg/kg, ww) were detected in horse mackerel. The higher mean amounts of cadmium (0.0084 ± 0.0036 mg/kg, ww) and lead (0.0379 ± 0.0303 mg/kg, ww) were determined in chub mackerel and in sardine, respectively. Intra- and inter-specific variability of metals bioaccumulation was statistically assessed and species and length revealed to be the major influencing biometric factors, in particular for mercury and arsenic. Muscles present metal concentrations below the tolerable limits considered by European Commission Regulation and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). However, estimation of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks by the target hazard quotient and target carcinogenic risk, established by the US Environmental Protection Agency, suggests that these species must be eaten in moderation due to possible hazard and carcinogenic risks derived from arsenic (in all analyzed species) and mercury ingestion (in horse and chub mackerel species).
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vieira
- REQUIMTE, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
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21
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Perugini M, Visciano P, Manera M, Zaccaroni A, Olivieri V, Amorena M. Levels of total mercury in marine organisms from Adriatic Sea, Italy. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2009; 83:244-248. [PMID: 19434348 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-009-9758-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The presence of total mercury in fish, crustacean and cephalopod from Adriatic Sea, was investigated. The highest concentrations were observed in decreasing order in: Norway lobster (0.97 +/- 0.24 mg/kg; mean +/- SE), European hake (0.59 +/- 0.14 mg/kg), red mullet (0.48 +/- 0.09 mg/kg), blue whiting (0.38 +/- 0.09 mg/kg), Atlantic mackerel (0.36 +/- 0.08 mg/kg) and European flying squid (0.25 +/- 0.03 mg/kg). A significant difference (p < 0.01) was found between the levels of total mercury in Norway lobster and those detected in all other species. The 25% of all samples exceeded the maximum limit fixed by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. The results show that fish and fishery products can exceed the maximum levels and stress the need of more information for consumers in particular for people that eat large amount of fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monia Perugini
- Department of Food Science, University of Teramo, Viale Crispi 212, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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22
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Storelli MM. Intake of essential minerals and metals via consumption of seafood from the Mediterranean Sea. J Food Prot 2009; 72:1116-20. [PMID: 19517745 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-72.5.1116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Edible marine species (fish and cephalopod molluscs) from the Mediterranean Sea were analyzed for their metal content (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni). Human health risks posed by these elements via dietary intake of seafood were assessed based on the provisional tolerable weekly intake, reference dose, and recommended dietary allowances. Metal concentrations varied widely among the different organisms, indicating species-specific accumulation. On a wet weight basis, the maximum concentrations of Hg were found in fish (1.56 microg g(-1)), and the maximum concentrations of cadmium were found in cephalopod molluscs (0.82 microg g(-1)), whereas for Pb the concentrations were generally low (fish, 0.01 to 1.18 microg g(-1); cephalopod molluscs, 0.03 to 0.09 microg g(-1)). For the essential metals, cephalopods had higher concentrations (Cr, 0.40 microg g(-1); Zn, 33.03 microg g(-1); Cu, 23.77 microg g(-1); Ni, 2.12 microg g(-1)) than did fish (Cr, 0.17 microg g(-1); Zn, 8.43 microg g(-1); Cu, 1.35 microg g(-1); Ni, 1.13 microg g(-1)). The estimated weekly intake of Cd and Pb indicated increased health risks through the consumption of various seafoods. Conversely, a health risk was ascribed to the intake of Hg from consumption of certain fish, such as albacore (10.92 microg kg(-1) body weight) and thornback ray (5.25 microg kg(-1) body weight). Concerning the essential metals, cephalopod mollusc consumption made an important contribution to daily dietary intake of Cu, Zn, and Ni.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Storelli
- Pharmacological-Biological Department, Chemistry and Biochemistry Section, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Bari, Strada Prov. le per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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23
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Determination of methylmercury in fish and seafood using optimized digestion and derivatization followed by gas chromatography with atomic emission detection. Eur Food Res Technol 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s00217-008-0949-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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24
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Storelli MM. Potential human health risks from metals (Hg, Cd, and Pb) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) via seafood consumption: estimation of target hazard quotients (THQs) and toxic equivalents (TEQs). Food Chem Toxicol 2008; 46:2782-8. [PMID: 18584931 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2008.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2008] [Revised: 03/18/2008] [Accepted: 05/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Edible marine species (fish, cephalopod molluscs, crustaceans) from the Adriatic Sea were analyzed for content in heavy metals (Hg, Cd and Pb) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Health risks to human via dietary intake of seafood were assessed by the target hazard quotients (THQs) and the toxic equivalent factors (TEFs). Mercury maximum concentrations corresponded to fish (0.07-1.56 microg g(-1)w.w.), followed by cephalopod molluscs (0.10-0.55 microg g(-1)w.w.), and crustaceans (0.27-0.33 microg g(-1)w.w.). Cadmium levels in cephalopods (0.18-0.59 microg g(-1)w.w.) were higher than those in fish (0.01-0.05 microg g(-1)w.w.) and crustaceans (0.02-0.04 microg g(-1)w.w.), while for Pb the concentrations were generally low (fish: ND-1.18 microg g(-1)w.w., cephalopods: ND-0.17 microg g(-1)w.w., crustaceans: ND-0.03 microg g(-1)w.w.). For PCBs, concentrations in fish, cephalopods and crustaceans ranged between 141 and 3,406 ng g(-1)l.w., 190 and 542 ng g(-1)l.w., and 202 and 429 ng g(-1)l.w., respectively. Cd and Pb THQ values as well as estimates of PCB TEQ exposure indicated the absence of health risks through consumption of the various seafood. In contrast, mercury TEQs values due to consumption of certain fish species (albacore, rosefish and thornback ray) indicated that human health risk might be of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Storelli
- Pharmacological-Biological Department, Chemistry and Biochemistry Section, Medicine Veterinary Faculty, University of Bari, Strada Prov.le per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy.
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25
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Amlund H, Lundebye AK, Berntssen MHG. Accumulation and elimination of methylmercury in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) following dietary exposure. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2007; 83:323-30. [PMID: 17599546 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2007.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2007] [Revised: 05/15/2007] [Accepted: 05/17/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury is known to bioaccumulate and biomagnify up the marine food chain. Fish from high levels of the marine food chain may contain relatively high concentrations of mercury, and most (>70%) of the mercury found in muscle is methylmercury. In aquaculture, marine protein (mainly fishmeal) is the dominant source of methylmercury, and this raises some concern with regards to fish welfare and consumer safety. A dietary exposure study, including a depuration period, was carried out in order to study the accumulation and elimination of methylmercury in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.), and to estimate the transfer of methylmercury from feed to fish. Fish were sampled throughout a three month exposure period and a three month depuration period. Muscle samples were fractionated into a protein and a lipid fraction by lipid extraction using methanol and chloroform. Mercury and methylmercury were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and gas chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (GC-ICPMS), respectively. A continuous accumulation of methylmercury, after a lag period of 10 days, was observed in muscle tissue during the three months exposure to methylmercury (0.95+/-0.03 microg Hg/g feed, n=6). After three months, the final concentration in muscle was 0.38+/-0.04 microg Hg/g w w (n=6), where methylmercury constituted 90-95% of the mercury present. The elimination of methylmercury from muscle was slow and incomplete (within the three months of depuration) with an estimated elimination half-life (t1/2) of 377 days. The transfer of methylmercury from feed to Atlantic cod, described by the estimated absorption efficiency, was 38%. In muscle more than 99% of the mercury was found in the protein fraction. These results suggest that Atlantic cod readily takes up dietary methylmercury, which is efficiently accumulated into muscle, where it is incorporated into larger peptides or proteins. Comparable results were found for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). After three months of exposure to dietary methylmercury the final concentration in muscle was 0.33+/-0.01 microg Hg/g w w (n=3), where nearly all (>99%) mercury was found in the protein fraction. This further supports that methylmercury is accumulated in fish muscle, where it is incorporated into larger peptides or proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Amlund
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), P.O. Box 2029 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
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26
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Sunderland EM. Mercury exposure from domestic and imported estuarine and marine fish in the U.S. seafood market. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:235-42. [PMID: 17384771 PMCID: PMC1817718 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2006] [Accepted: 11/20/2006] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylmercury exposure causes a variety of adverse effects on human health. Per capita estimates of mercury exposure are critical for risk assessments and for developing effective risk management strategies. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the impact of natural stochasticity in mercury concentrations among fish and shellfish harvested from the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and foreign shores on estimated mercury exposures. METHODS Mercury concentrations and seafood consumption are grouped by supply region (Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and foreign shores). Distributions of intakes from this study are compared with values obtained using national FDA (Food and Drug Administration) mercury survey data to assess the significance of geographic variability in mercury concentrations on exposure estimates. RESULTS Per capita mercury intake rates calculated using FDA mercury data differ significantly from those based on mercury concentration data for each supply area and intakes calculated for the 90th percentile of mercury concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Differences in reported mercury concentrations can significantly affect per capita mercury intake estimates, pointing to the importance of spatially refined mercury concentration data. This analysis shows that national exposure estimates are most influenced by reported concentrations in imported tuna, swordfish, and shrimp; Pacific pollock; and Atlantic crabs. Collecting additional mercury concentration data for these seafood categories would improve the accuracy of national exposure estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsie M Sunderland
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Research, Office of Research and Development, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
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27
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Storelli MM, Giacominelli-Stuffler R, Storelli A, Marcotrigiano GO. Cadmium and mercury in cephalopod molluscs: Estimated weekly intake. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 23:25-30. [PMID: 16393811 DOI: 10.1080/02652030500242023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium and mercury concentrations were measured in the flesh and hepatopancreas of different species of cephalopod molluscs (European squid, common octopus, curled octopus, horned octopus, pink cuttlefish, common cuttlefish) in order to establish whether the concentrations exceeded the maximum levels fixed by the European Commission. In hepatopancreas, the levels of cadmium were substantially higher than those in flesh (flesh 0.11-0.87 microg g(-1) wet weight, hepatopancreas 2.16-9.39 microg g(-1) wet weight), whilst the levels of mercury (flesh 0.13-0.55 microg g(-1) wet weight, hepatopancreas 0.23-0.79 microg g(-1)) were approximately double those in flesh. Concentrations exceeding the maximum permitted limit of cadmium were found in 39.8 and 41.0% of common octopus and pink cuttlefish flesh, respectively. For mercury, concentrations above the limit were found only in octopuses, and precisely in 36.8, 50.0 and 20.0% of flesh samples of common, curled and horned octopus, respectively. In the hepatopancreas, concentrations of cadmium and mercury were above the proposed limits in all the samples examined. The estimated weekly intake of between 0.09 and 0.49 microg kg(-1) body weight for cadmium and between 0.05 and 0.24 microg kg(-1) body weight for mercury made only a small contribution to the provisional tolerable weekly intake (cadmium 1.3-7.0%, mercury 1.0-4.8%) set by the WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Storelli
- Pharmacological-Biological Department, Chemistry and Biochemistry Section, Medicine Veterinary Faculty, University of Bari, Strada prov. le per Casamassima, km, 3, I-70010 Valenzano (BA), Italy
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