Abstract
Trace element (Hg, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr) occurrence was determined in the muscle tissue of swordfish collected in the Mediterranean Sea to assess whether the intakes complied with the recommended levels for essential metals and permissible levels for toxic elements. Metals were analyzed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Shimadzu AA 7000). The methodology of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) was also evaluated. The ranking order of toxic metal concentration was Hg > Cd > Pb, while for essential elements the distribution pattern followed the sequence Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr. The Estimated Weekly Intakes (EWI) as well as THQ for Cd and Pb indicated that swordfish consumption did not pose a risk to human health, whereas the major concern was for Hg. Fish size-related changes in Hg concentrations resulted in high EWI and THQ values relative to larger fish consumption, implying a potential risk to human health. For consumer protection, catches of swordfish approximately above 44 kg should be avoided as these fish have a higher risk of containing toxic levels of Hg.
Highlights
Swordfish, Xiphias gladius L. 1758, the only living species belonging to the Xiphiidae family, is a pelagic fish of high commercial value
The Estimated Weekly Intakes (EWI) as well as Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for Cd and Pb indicated that swordfish consumption did not pose a risk to human health, whereas the major concern was for Hg
Concentrations of Hg, Cd, and Pb recorded in the swordfish specimens, as well as the respective permitted legal limits established by European
Summary
Xiphias gladius L. 1758, the only living species belonging to the Xiphiidae family, is a pelagic fish of high commercial value. The rate of predation and food intake is extremely high, features exacerbating contaminant bioaccumulation in its body [1,2,3]. One of the most worrying classes of chemical contaminants in terms of toxicological risk to humans is represented by heavy metals [4]. Elements such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) are extremely toxic even in trace amounts, whereas other metals such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni), defined as essential because play an important role in biological systems, can produce toxic effects when present in excessive concentrations. Diet is the primary pathway for metal accumulation in the general population and the consumption of contaminated fish is a key food source of exposure in humans [5,6,7]
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