title: Metal and metalloid concentrations in the tissues of dusky Carcharhinus obscurus, sandbar C. plumbeus and white Carcharodon carcharias sharks from south-eastern Australian waters, and the implications for human consumption.
abstract: Shark fisheries have expanded due to increased demand for shark products. As long-lived apex predators, sharks are susceptible to bioaccumulation of metals and metalloids, and biomagnification of some such as Hg, primarily through diet. This may have negative health implications for human consumers. Concentrations of Hg, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Se and Zn were analysed in muscle, liver and fin fibres (ceratotrichia) from dusky Carcharhinus obscurus, sandbar Carcharhinus plumbeus, and white Carcharodon carcharias sharks from south-eastern Australian waters. Concentrations of analytes were generally higher in liver than in muscle and lowest in fin fibres. Muscle tissue concentrations of Hg were significantly correlated with total length, and >50% of sampled individuals had concentrations above Food Standards Australia New Zealand's maximum limit (1 mg kg(-1) ww). Arsenic concentrations were also of concern, particularly in fins. Results warrant further investigation to accurately assess health risks for regular consumption of shark products.
authors: National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia; Marine Ecology Research Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia.
authors: Jann M
authors: JM
authors: Gilbert
authors: Marine Ecology Research Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia. Electronic address: amanda.reichelt-brushett@scu.edu.au.
authors: Amanda J
authors: AJ
authors: Reichelt-Brushett
authors: National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia; Fisheries NSW, NSW Department of Primary Industries, National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia.
authors: Paul A
authors: PA
authors: Butcher
authors: Fisheries NSW, NSW Department of Primary Industries, National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia.
authors: Shane P
authors: SP
authors: McGrath
authors: Fisheries NSW, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia.
authors: Victor M
authors: VM
authors: Peddemors
authors: School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour 2450, Australia.
authors: Alison C
authors: AC
authors: Bowling
authors: National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia.
authors: Les
authors: L
authors: Christidis
mesh_terms: D058500:Animal Fins / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D001151:Arsenic / Q000032:analysis; D001315:Australia; D005396:Fish Products; D005506:Food Contamination; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis*; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis*; D009132:Muscles / Q000737:chemistry; D012754:Sharks; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D008628:Mercury; D001151:Arsenic
keywords: Carcharhinus obscurus; Carcharhinus plumbeus; Carcharodon carcharias; Metals contamination; Shark fisheries