Heavy Metals and the Occurrence of Ulcerative Dermal Necrosis (UDN) in Sea Trout from the RIVER REGA, Poland-Consumer Health Assessment.

Mikołaj Protasowicki,Monika Rajkowska-Myśliwiec,Adam Tański,Sandra Watrak

doi:10.3390/ijerph19042296

Mikołaj Protasowicki, Monika Rajkowska-Myśliwiec + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042296

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Abstract

Various factors, including heavy metals, can make fish more susceptible to disease. This study investigated, inter alia, the relationship between Pb, Cd, and Hg contamination of the organs and muscles of sea trout from the river Rega (Poland) and the occurrence of UDN (ulcerative skin necrosis) symptoms. Moreover, the dietary risk of Pb, Cd, and Hg uptake from the muscles of healthy sea trout was assessed based on estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), benchmark dose lower confidence limits (BMDL01 and BMDL10), and tolerable weekly intake (TWI). The metal concentrations varied, depending on the fish organs and the fish condition. A significantly higher amount of Pb was found in the gonads, gills, and muscles, Cd in the kidneys, and Hg in the muscles of sea trout with UDN symptoms. The lowest concentrations of Pb and Cd were detected in the muscles, and of Hg in the gonads. Dietary exposure to Pb, Cd, and Hg accounted for: 0.4% of BMDL01 and 1.0% of BMDL10, 0.56% of TWI, and 16.5% of TWI, respectively. THQs for each metal and the HI value for combined metals were below 1. The weakening of fish due to UDN-like disease probably increased the accumulation of Pb in the gonads, gills, and muscles, and of Cd in the kidneys, of the sea trout. As regards the maximum levels (MRLs), the muscles of healthy sea trout are safe for consumption. The risk assessment suggests no concern for the health of consumers.

Highlights

The contamination of water and sediment with high concentrations of heavy metals poses a serious threat due to their toxicity, long persistence, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification in the food chain. [1]
The statistical analysis indicated that the sea trout with ulcerative dermal necrosis (UDN) symptoms were smaller than the healthy fish
The results showed that target hazard quotient (THQ) values for individual metals as well as hazard index (HI) for combined metals were lower than 1 as a result of consuming the assumed portion of sea trout (Table 4)

Summary

Introduction

The contamination of water and sediment with high concentrations of heavy metals poses a serious threat due to their toxicity, long persistence, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification in the food chain. [1]. The development of oxidative stress is the fundamental molecular mechanism of metal toxicity. This stress weakens the immune system, causes tissue and organ damage and growth defects, and reduces reproductive ability [3]. Trutta L.), as a predatory fish, is the final link in the food chain and can play an important role as a bio-indicator in monitoring heavy metal pollution. It is an anadromous species, that is, it migrates to saltwater environments to feed and returns to freshwater streams to spawn [4].

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