Heavy metals concentrations in fish from Sicily (Mediterranean Sea) and evaluation of possible health risks to consumers.
Cadmium, lead, mercury and chromium concentrations in fish muscle tissue taken from various Sicilian areas were detected. Fish caught in Siracusa, nearby a petrochemical industrial area, were more contaminated by cadmium, lead and chromium (respectively 0.366, 0.32, 0.72 μg/g) than those from the other sites. In the Sicily Channel, we found the highest bioaccumulation of mercury (0.31 μg/g). Although some metals concentrations exceed the limits set by the European regulation, the estimated weekly intake was below the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake established by the European Food and Safety Authority, and the Target Hazard Quotient values indicate that there is no carcinogenic risk for humans.
Department of Hygiene and Public Health G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123, Catania, Italy. chiaracopat@hotmail.com
Chiara
C
Copat
Francesca
F
Bella
Marine
M
Castaing
Roberto
R
Fallico
Salvatore
S
Sciacca
Margherita
M
Ferrante
D000818:Animals; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005399:Fishes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000378:metabolism*; D009132:Muscles / Q000378:metabolism; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012802:Sicily; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000378:metabolism*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical