Heavy metals in yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) landed on the Ecuadorian coast

Abstract

Heavy metals are contaminants of great environmental concern due to their multiple origins (natural and anthropogenic), the ability to accumulate in organs and tissues, and the deleterious effects they can cause in organisms. Studies on the accumulation of metals in seafood, such as fish, have increased in importance due to the risk for human health when consuming fish contaminated by metals. The present work was aimed at verifying the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in the muscular tissue and liver of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean landed in Manta city, Ecuador. Samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Around half of the muscle samples of both species presented levels of Cd and Hg above the limits considered safe for human consumption established by the European Union. For Pb, most of the muscle samples were considered acceptable for consumption. Results indicate that both species should be consumed with some caution. Considering the tolerable weekly intake recommended for adults by the World Health Organization, results indicate that Hg is the main metal that limits the consumption of yellowfin tuna and common dolphinfish, with a recommended maximum ingestion, respectively, of 191 and 178g per week for an adult.