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

摘要

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 oneyear. Mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic amounts were determined in muscles using graphite furnaceand 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 highermean amounts of cadmium (0.0084 ± 0.0036 mg/kg, ww) and lead (0.0379 ± 0.0303 mg/kg, ww) weredetermined in chub mackerel and in sardine, respectively. Intra- and inter-specific variability of metalsbioaccumulation was statistically assessed and species and length revealed to be the major influencingbiometric factors, in particular for mercury and arsenic. Muscles present metal concentrations belowthe tolerable limits considered by European Commission Regulation and Food and Agriculture Organizationof the United Nations/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). However, estimation of non-carcinogenicand carcinogenic health risks by the target hazard quotient and target carcinogenic risk, establishedby the US Environmental Protection Agency, suggests that these species must be eaten in moderation dueto possible hazard and carcinogenic risks derived from arsenic (in all analyzed species) and mercuryingestion (in horse and chub mackerel species).