Impact of polyaluminum chloride on the bioaccumulation of selected elements in the tissues of invasive spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus) - Potential risks to consumers

Invasive Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) Fish from the Southern Baltic as a Source of Arsenic and Selenium-Food Safety Aspects

Minimizing human exposure to arsenic (As) and ensuring an adequate dietary intake of selenium (Se) are significant issues in research on food sources. This study measured the content of As and Se in the muscles, gills, liver, and gonads of the fish round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) to assess the benefits and risks associated with their consumption. This was achieved by using dietary reference intake (DRI), estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR). The elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentrations of As and Se (in μg kg-1 wet weight) were 25.1 and 161.4 in muscle, 58.8 and 367.4 in liver, 47.4 and 635.3 in gonads, and 16.4 and 228.5 in gills, respectively. Arsenic in the muscle portion of fish accounted for up to 0.5% of the DRI, while Se constituted approximately 30% of the DRI. The EDI values were below the reference oral dose (RfD). The THQ were much below the permissible levels (THQ < 1), and the CR were at least within the permissible limit (CR < 10-4). With regard to the As content, round goby muscles can be deemed safe for consumers. They may also be a valuable source of Se in the human diet. However, round goby consumption should be monitored for the proper and safe intake of these elements.

Assessing Metal Toxicity on Crustaceans in Aquatic Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Review

Residual concentrations of some trace elements and lightweight metals, including cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, silver, zinc, nickel, chromium, arsenic, gallium, indium, gold, cobalt, polonium, and thallium, are widely detected in aquatic ecosystems globally. Although their origin may be natural, human activities significantly elevate their environmental concentrations. Metals, renowned pollutants, threaten various organisms, particularly crustaceans. Due to their feeding habits and habitat, crustaceans are highly exposed to contaminants and are considered a crucial link in xenobiotic transfer through the food chain. Moreover, crustaceans absorb metals via their gills, crucial pathways for metal uptake in water. This review summarises the adverse effects of well-studied metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg, Zn, Ni, Cr, As, Co) and synthesizes knowledge on the toxicity of less-studied metals (Ag, Ga, In, Au, Pl, Tl), their presence in waters, and impact on crustaceans. Bibliometric analysis underscores the significance of this topic. In general, the toxic effects of the examined metals can decrease survival rates by inducing oxidative stress, disrupting biochemical balance, causing histological damage, interfering with endocrine gland function, and inducing cytotoxicity. Metal exposure can also result in genotoxicity, reduced reproduction, and mortality. Despite current toxicity knowledge, there remains a research gap in this field, particularly concerning the toxicity of rare earth metals, presenting a potential future challenge.

Trace elements in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in China: Spatiotemporal variation and human health implications

The enrichment and health risk assessment of trace elements in crayfish on a national scale are significant for food safety due to the rapidly expanding crayfish consumption in China. In the present study, 4709 samples were extracted from databases to explore the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of trace elements in crayfish. Due to the variance in the background value of trace elements, the level of trace elements varies by region. Additionally, levels of As and Cr in crayfish increased with the promotion of intensive rice-crayfish coculture in China. Health risk assessment results revealed that trace elements may cause non-carcinogenic risk for crayfish consumption for adults and children from the mid-lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and the main risk was from As and Hg. The cancer risk values of As for children and adults in Zhejiang, Anhui, Heilongjiang, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi and Shandong provinces were above the allowable value. There is concern about the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk of consuming crayfish containing trace elements in some areas in China. Therefore, the results can serve as a critical reference for policy purposes in China. In addition, it is recommended that further research and assessment on crayfish consumption are required.

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Cooking Methods on the Heavy Metal Levels in Crayfish Muscle

The current study investigated the effects of various cooking styles (boiling, frying, and steaming) and seasoning methods (home cooking and ready-to-eat commodity) on levels of nine heavy metals in the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) muscle. The estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotients (THQ), and target cancer risk (TCR) were used to assess the health risk in the crayfish muscle. The results showed that cooking processes significantly increased the concentration of Cu, which raises a potential risk for children (the THQ values > 1). The levels of toxic heavy metals in the ready-to-eat crayfish muscle were significantly higher than those in household cooking. Especially for As, the THQ values rose to 7.1 and 13.2 for adults and children respectively. Therefore, home cooking is safer than ready-to-eat crayfish, and children should consume crayfish within a limited range. The recommended consumption of the cooked abdominal muscle of crayfish should be 257 and 58 g/day, for children (16 kg) and adults (70 kg), respectively.