Abstract
Bioavailability and hence bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish species depends on seasonal conditions causing different risks levels to human health during the lifetime. Mercury, cadmium and lead contents in fish from Chihuahua (Mexico) water reservoirs have been investigated to assess contamination levels and safety for consumers. Muscle samples of fish were collected across the seasons. Lead and cadmium were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, and mercury by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. The highest concentrations of cadmium (0.235 mg/kg), mercury (0.744 mg/kg) and lead (4.298 mg/kg) exceeded the maximum levels set by European regulations and Codex Alimentarius. Lead concentrations found in fish from three water reservoirs also surpassed the limit of 1 mg/kg established by Mexican regulations. The provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) suggested by the World Health Organization for methyl mercury (1.6 µg/kg bw per week) was exceeded in the spring season (1.94 µg/kg bw per week). This might put consumers at risk of mercury poisoning.
Highlights
Heavy metals from natural and anthropogenic sources are present in water reservoirs, high concentrations of them can be found in fish due to their accumulation through the diet and via the gills [1]
The average lead concentration in fish from most of the water reservoirs in spring and autumn season (Table 2) surpassed the permissible limit of 1 mg/kg established by Mexican regulations [16]
Significant differences were found in the concentrations of mercury, lead and cadmium in fish fillets through the different seasons
Summary
Heavy metals from natural and anthropogenic sources are present in water reservoirs, high concentrations of them can be found in fish due to their accumulation through the diet and via the gills [1]. Given the toxicity and potential health risk, the content of heavy metals in fish muscle has been regulated in Mexico by an Official Mexican Standard [16], establishing the maximum levels for mercury, cadmium and lead in 1, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. It should be highlighted that this is the first study done to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Pb) in fish and estimate their weekly intake through the consumption of fish from water reservoirs of Chihuahua County. The aims of this study were: (i) to determine the concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead in fish muscle through different seasons, and (ii) to estimate the weekly intake of these trace metals, comparing them with the PTWI recommended by the WHO [11,21,22]
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