Abstract
The sediment pollution of the aquatic environment by waste due to anthropogenic activity is of an increasing concern. The contaminants coming from the aquatic environment can enter the aquatic food chain and accumulate in the tissues of fish and shellfish used for human consumption. The aim of this study was to sum up the current level of knowledge concerning the pollution of aquatic sediments and its transfer to aquatic foods as well as to indicate whether such contamination has the potential to affect the health and welfare of aquatic organisms as well as the quality and safety of the species intended for human consumption. Based on the results of scientific studies, the European Food Safety Authority, and the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, contamination of fish and seafood occurs predominantly through their diet and the levels of bioaccumulative contaminants are higher in fish which rank higher in the food chain. Contamination of aquatic habitats can not only significantly affect behavior, development, and welfare of aquatic organisms, but it can also affect the safety of fish and seafood for human consumption.
Highlights
The sediment pollution of the aquatic environment by waste due to anthropogenic activity is of an increasing concern
The contaminants coming from the aquatic environment can enter the aquatic food chain and accumulate in the tissues of fish and shellfish used for human consumption
The aim of this study was to sum up the current level of knowledge concerning the pollution of aquatic sediments and its transfer to aquatic foods as well as to indicate whether such contamination has the potential to affect the health and welfare of aquatic organisms as well as the quality and safety of the species intended for human consumption
Summary
Heavy metals are a natural part of the Earth’s crust and their increased concentrations are found in volcanically active areas or localities where excessive erosion and soil weathering occur, at the same time they enter the environment, including water reservoirs, as a result of anthropogenic activity (Briffa et al 2020) These elements are taken up by marine organisms and accumulated in organisms such as predatory fish which are higher up the food chain. Based on the data from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF 2021), the limit content of heavy metals in fish and seafood is still a valid problem for products coming from both European Union as well as third world countries For these reasons, it is important to monitor and regulate the concentration of heavy metals in the water ecosystem and human food. Apart from the use for its herbicidal and biocidal activity, chlorate is formed as a by-product when using chlorine, chlorine dioxide or hypochlorite for the disinfection of drinking water, water for food production, and surfaces coming into contact with food
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