Metal and metalloids concentration in Galapagos fish liver and gonad tissues

Bioaccumulation of chemical elements in fish from areas affected by oil on the coast of Bahia, Brazil

In 2019, the Brazilian coast was affected by the largest oil spill in its history. We assessed the levels of chemical elements in Lutjanus synagris and Haemulon aurolienatum fish from Itacaré (least affected area), Tinharé-Boipeba (most affected area) and Madre de Deus (chronically affected area). The level of metals differed between species, tissues, life cycle phases, maturation stages and between sampled locations, indicating the influence of biological and environmental aspects on bioaccumulation. Only fish in Madre de Deus showed lead contamination, while arsenic concentrations in the three areas exceeded the maximum value acceptable by Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency). It is suggested that the oil spill may have impacted species differently, also having an impact in fish from less affected areas. However, metal concentrations in fish in Madre de Deus stood out when compared to populations in other studied areas.

Assessing microbiological and heavy metal pollution in surface waters associated with potential human health risk assessment at fish ingestion exposure

Fish represent a significant source of nutrients but also cause negative health effects due to their bioaccumulation capacity for pollutants. The aim of this study was to examine the transfer of metals from the water of several rivers (Somes, Tisa, Sasar, Lapus, Lăpusel) to fish (Caras sp) tissue (subcutaneous fat, muscles, liver, intestines, kidneys, gills, brain, and eyes) and to identify and assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), Cooper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr) and Zinc (Zn) through the ingestion of fish (muscles and subcutaneous fat tissues). The obtained results indicated that a diet consisting of fish is particularly vulnerable, particularly in children compared to adults. The risk assessment results were below the threshold limit, although the fish samples contained heavy metals, with values exceeding the permitted limits of Fe (4.41-1604 mg/kg), Cr (727-4155 µg/kg), Zn (4.72-147 mg/kg), and Ni (333-2194 µg/kg). The studied surface waters are characterized by low and high degrees of pollution with heavy metals, as indicated by the heavy metal pollution index scores (HPI: 12.4-86.4) and the heavy metal evaluation index scores (HEI: 1.06-17.6). The considerable pollution levels are attributed to the high Mn content (0.61-49.7 µg/kg), which exceeded the limit up to fifty times. A consistent set of physico-chemical analysis (pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, turbidity, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, Ca, Mg, Na, K) was analysed in water samples as well. Considering the water quality index scores (WQI: 16.0-25.2), the surface waters exhibited good quality. Microbiological results indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and atypical colonies of coagulase-positive staphylococcus in fish. In contrast, the surface waters from which fish samples were collected were positive for Escherichia coli, and coliform bacteria intestinal Enterococci. Based on the study's results, it is recommended to exercise caution in the case of children related to the consumption of fish and using the waters for drinking purposes. This study provides important data of considerable novelty to the riparian population, researchers, and even policy makers on the quality status and potential levels of contamination of river waters, fish and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish that may cause adverse effects on human health if consumed, and similarly the heavy metal pollution degree of waters and the non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metals through ingestion and skin absorption of water in children and adults (the study area is a significant source of fisheries).

Health risk assessment of heavy metal toxicity in the aquatic environment of the Persian Gulf

This study aims to explore the potential health risks linked to four heavy metals/metalloids (Pb, Cd, As, Hg) present in four commercially important fish species (Scombromorus commerson, Pseudorhombus elevatus, Thunnus tonggol and Otolithes ruber) in the Persian Gulf. Metals in fish muscle tissue were analyzed via ICP-MS. The analysis revealed that Scombromorus commerson (except for Pb) and Thunnus tonggol (except for As) exhibited the highest and lowest contamination levels, respectively. The Hazard Index findings highlighted arsenic and mercury as the most hazardous elements. However, the Target Hazard Quotient values for each metal and fish species remained within safe thresholds. The highest and lowest Total Carcinogenic Risk was concerning Pseudorhombus elevates (As: 7.41-E05), and Thunnus thonggol (Pb: 3.21-E07), respectively. TCR analysis suggests that the cancer risk of studied metals was below the negligible level (TCR < 10-6) or within the acceptable level (10-6 < TCR < 10-4), potentially not posing carcinogenic risks through extended consumption.

Analysis of metals and metalloid in commercial fish species from the Galapagos Marine Reserve: Toxicological and nutritional assessment

Aquatic pollution derived from metal presence in the Galapagos Islands could affect biodiversity and human health. This research provide a baseline on food safety in commercial fish species of the Galapagos Islands. We sampled muscle tissue of pelagic (Acanthocybium solandri) and demersal (Caulolatilus affinis, Pontinus clemensi, Hyporthodus mystacinus, and Paralabrax albomaculatus) species. Metal and metalloid concentrations per species were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Spectrometry (ICP-OES). According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) regulation none of the studied species should be ingested; and according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regulation, all the studied species were above the Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) for Cd. According to EFSA, C. affinis should not be commercialized. Finally, A. solandri, P. clemensi and H. mystacinus do not represent a human health risk since its Margen of Safety (MoS) < 1 for people of up to 100 kg of body weight.

Toxic Effects of Cadmium on Fish

Large amounts of enriched cadmium (Cd) in the environment seriously threatens the healthy and sustainable development of the aquaculture industry and greatly restricts the development of the food processing industry. Studying the distribution and toxic effects of Cd in fish, as well as the possible toxic effects of Cd on the human body, is very significant. A large number of studies have shown that the accumulation and distribution of Cd in fish are biologically specific, cause tissue differences, and seriously damage the integrity of tissue structure and function, the antioxidant defense system, the reproductive regulation system, and the immune system. The physiological, biochemical, enzyme, molecular, and gene expression levels change with different concentrations and times of Cd exposure, and these changes are closely related to the target sites of Cd action and tissues in fish. Therefore, the toxic effects of Cd on fish occur with multiple tissues, systems, and levels.