Mercury, cadmium and lead levels in samples of the main traded fish and shellfish species in Galicia, Spain.
The presence of mercury, cadmium and lead has been studied in raw and processed fish and shellfish of the main traded species in Galicia (Spain) from at least 40 commercial outlets between January 2002 and October 2003. The results show that, according to European legislation, the products on the market are generally "safe", although the high levels of mercury in swordfish and shark are notable, with 22% of samples (n = 37) over the limit. We also indicate the relatively important contribution to mercury ingestion of widely consumed species, such as tuna, with 25% of samples (n = 378) over 0.25 mg kg⁻¹. Cadmium was over the limit (1.0 mg kg⁻¹) in 15% of the tested cephalopods (n = 79) and 29% of Chlamys sp. bivalves (n = 17).
a Centro Técnico Nacional de Conservación de Productos de la Pesca (ANFACO-CECOPESCA), Carretera Colexio Universitario n° 16 , 36310 Vigo , Pontevedra , Spain.
Sonia Lucía
SL
Blanco
José Carlos
JC
González
Juan M
JM
Vieites
D000818:Animals; D002104:Cadmium / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D003445:Crustacea; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000208:ethnology; D005062:European Union; D005399:Fishes; D005506:Food Contamination; D005513:Food Inspection; D057141:Food, Preserved / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D005628:Frozen Foods / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D008974:Mollusca; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017747:Seafood / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D012758:Shellfish / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D013030:Spain; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002104:Cadmium; D007854:Lead; D008628:Mercury
AAS; GFAAS; cadmium; fish; heavy metals; lead; mercury; metals analysis; risk assessment; seafood