Abstract
This study evaluates the elemental content in 4 types of canned tuna fish groups, each with 4 brands that are commercialized for human consumption in Brazil. The results are based on trace elements in canned tuna fish quantified by ICP OES and a comparison to limit levels set by the FAO/WHO. We also checked the carcinogenic risk (CR), non-carcinogenic risk (Hazard Index (HI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ)), and pollution index (PI) for the studied canned tuna samples. As and Se concentrations in all groups are above the intake values set by FAO/WHO considering specific groups. The carcinogenic risk values for arsenic (As) in groups are considerably unacceptable (≥10−4). Hazard quotients (HQ) were >1 for As in all groups, while no sample was below 1 for HI. The pollution index (PI) results show that the main canned tuna fish contaminant is aluminum, then selenium and arsenic, respectively. Only half of the samples did not present elemental contaminant levels. All studied brands of canned tuna presented elemental concentrations that could pose a health risk to human consumption, that could be from CR, HQ, HI, or PI. The contaminant levels are alarming and should raise a red flag for the intake of these products, especially a long-term one. These results urge the authorities to supervise and enforce better practices for this type of food, protecting their population from health hazards.
Highlights
Worldwide increasing natural resources usage, including land, leads to the spread of several heavy metals and metalloids from modern agriculture processes and motorized vehicle pollution [1]
The concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, Se, and Zn in natural grated tuna (NGT), oil grated tuna (OGT), solid natural tuna (SNT), and solid tuna in oil (STO) samples in units of mg/kg were converted to mg per 130 g, once this is the canned tuna net weight sold in Brazilian markets
Ba, Ca, Se, and Cu contents in some canned foods are below the detection limit (
Summary
Worldwide increasing natural resources usage, including land, leads to the spread of several heavy metals and metalloids from modern agriculture processes and motorized vehicle pollution [1]. Wind and water flow carry several chemical elements to lakes, streams, and rivers during drought and rain season, including heavy metals, metals, and metalloids [6]. These watercourses and winds are directly linked to seas and oceans metals and metalloids accumulation, becoming pollutants and contaminant matter to plankton and animals, and fishes used for human food [7].
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