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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
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
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).
Description
Keywords
Atlantic Ocean Heavy metals and arsenic Bioaccumulation in fish muscles Risks for human consumption Atomic absorption spectrometry