Miguel Island Research Articles

Measures and Model of the Churches of São Miguel (Azores)

The religious spaces are carriers of great symbolic importance, standing out in the urban fabric not only for their location, but also for their scale in relation to the surrounding buildings. We show the relevance of the religious space in the São Miguel island (Azores) urban fabric, where the church presents itself as an element of great importance. It is the generator of the urban fabric, and it is usually strategically located as a landmark of the civic centre of the localities. This study presents an analysis of the main façades of the parish churches of the island of S. Miguel built during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It highlights the existence of a typology of façade, which is a consequence of the materials and building systems existing there at the time. This demonstration continues the studies carried out by Sousa (1986) with the concept of façade “micaelense baroque ornamentation” and Caldas (2012) with the concept of “micaelense baroque façade” and “micaelense type façade”. Methodologically, the investigation was carried out through the analysis of the elements that make up the façades of the parish churches, the study of old and current photography, and drawings made in CAD; and the systematization of façades by grouping them into categories and establishing a typology between the various churches of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

A new diatom (Bacillariophyceae) species from a thermal spring in Azores archipelago (São Miguel island, Atlantic Ocean)

Background: Due to their isolation, islands offer excellent areas for the study of distribution of benthic diatoms. On the other hand, diatoms bearing canal raphe have received less attention compared to other groups of diatoms such as Navicula, Pinnularia or Amphora .
 Questions: Is it possible that thermal springs on islands offer a refuge for infrequent diatom species?
 Studied species: Platichthys furnensis C. Delgado, V. Gonçalves & S.F.P. Almeida sp. nov.
 Study site and dates: The species here described was collected in the epilithon of a thermal spring in São Miguel Island (Azores Archipelago, Portugal) in September 2015.
 Methods: This new taxon was compared to other diatom species of the genera Nitzschia , Tryblionella , Entomoneis and Hantzschia and to the other species of the genus Platichthys . The morphology is documented by light and scanning electron images and discussed in detail.
 Results: Platichthys furnensis was found in a thermal pool, a similar habitat to the one where P. krammeri type was collected in Chile in 1940. P. furnensis has many structures that are characteristic of the recently described genus Platichthys, including raised canal raphe and fibulae, compressed valve face, steep valve face and numerous open copulae.
 Conclusions: The description of the new taxon is interesting because it is the first species within Platichthys to be described from the Northern Hemisphere.

Diffuse CO2 emissions from Sete Cidades volcanic lake (São Miguel Island, Azores): Influence of eutrophication processes

Sete Cidades Lake (São Miguel Island, Portugal) is subdivided into two interconnected branches: the Green Lake and Blue Lake. The lake has an area and maximum depth of 4.39 km2 and 29.5 m (Blue Lake), respectively, with evidence of eutrophication, particularly in the northern area of the Green Lake. In this study, we conducted a sampling survey during January 2017 to measure CO2 fluxes from the lake using a floating accumulation chamber. We also produced two hydrogeochemical profiles for each of the lake’s branches. A total of 1760 CO2 flux measurements were taken along the lake’s surface. The lake water was relatively cold (14.0 °C on average) and weakly mineralised (average electrical conductivity of 116 μS cm−1) with a neutral pH (7.7 on average). The relative composition of major ions occurred in the following decreasing order: Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+ for cations and Cl− > HCO3− > SO42− for anions. The lake water was mainly the Na–Cl type due to sea salt input from seawater spraying. CO2 fluxes ranged from 0.3 to 17.2 g m−2 d−1 and from 2.1 to 17.9 g m−2 d−1 for the Blue and Green Lakes, respectively. Highest CO2 degassing occurred in areas dominated by macrophytes and algal blooms. The measured values suggest that the CO2 was predominantly biogenically sourced, which was further supported by the δ13C isotopic data. The estimated total CO2 emissions varied between 5.8 t d−1 (Green Lake; area = 0.81 km2) and 24.9 t d−1 (Blue Lake; area = 3.58 km2). This study further elucidates the lake’s trophic and chemical pollution status and has major implications for lacustrine CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Our study also provides a reference for understanding potential future variations in volcanic activity.

Lipophilic toxins occurrence in non-traditional invertebrate vectors from North Atlantic Waters (Azores, Madeira, and Morocco): Update on geographical tendencies and new challenges for monitoring routines

In the last decades, due to monitoring programs and strict legislation poisoning incidents occurrence provoked by ingestion of naturally contaminated marine organisms has decreased. However, climate change and anthropogenic interference contributed to the expansion and establishment of toxic alien species to more temperate ecosystems. In this work, the coasts of Madeira, São Miguel islands and the northwestern Moroccan coast were surveyed for four groups of lipophilic toxins (yessotoxins, azaspiracids, pectenotoxins, and spirolides), searching for new vectors and geographical tendencies. Twenty-four species benthic organisms were screened using UHPLC-MS/MS technique. We report 19 new vectors for these toxins, six of them with commercial interest (P. aspera, P. ordinaria, C. lampas, P. pollicipes, H. tuberculata and P. lividus). Regarding toxin uptake a south-north gradient was detected. This study contributes to the update of monitoring routines and legislation policies, comprising a wider range of vectors, to better serve consumers and ecosystems preservation.

Efficacy of a Salt Iodization Program on Iodine Status and Intakes in Schoolchildren of São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal

Introduction: Iodine is an essential micronutrient and its deficiency can severely impact children’s development. In 2012, the Thyroid Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism discovered that the median urinary iodine concentration (mUIC) level in schoolchildren of São Miguel was far too low at 70.9 μg/L. In response, the government implemented a salt iodization program to help normalize levels. This investigation evaluated the efficacy of such an approach. Methods: Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was evaluated in 362 schoolchildren from São Miguel using the fast colorimetric method. Results: mUIC was 106.7 μg/L, significantly higher than that observed in 2012 (p < 0.001). Over half (55.5%) of the schoolchildren had a UIC >100 μg/L versus 23.0% in 2012 (p < 0.001). 9.4% of schoolchildren had a UIC <50 μg/L, significantly lower than the 30.6% reported in 2012 (p < 0.001). Discussion/Conclusion: Five years after the implementation of the government salt iodization program, the mUIC increased from 70.9 to 106.7 μg/L. This study confirms the efficacy of the adopted measures in schoolchildren population.

Para a História do Turismo na Ilha de São Miguel [Açores] – Notas Sobre as Origens da Sociedade Terra Nostra

Para a História do Turismo na Ilha de São Miguel [Açores] – Notas Sobre as Origens da Sociedade Terra Nostra

Downside in habitat restoration: Predation of artificial nests by invasive rodents in Macaronesian laurel forest

This study assessed black rat predation on artificial nests in relation to restoration undertaken in the Macaronesian laurel forest in São Miguel Island, Azores, evaluating three different points: nest predation rate; rodent relative abundance; and abundance of invertebrates, flowers and fruits. In general, artificial nest predation increased after habitat restoration, and significant differences were found on a successfully restored forest site between year 0 and year 10. Rodent capture rates were significantly higher one decade after habitat restoration, and there were significantly more flowers and fruits available in the area with a higher restoration success than in the area with less restoration success. The results show that habitat restoration leads to an increase of black rat relative abundance, which is consistent with the increasing of artificial nest predation, and with the higher abundance of vegetal food on the successfully restored forest site. It is important to study and analyze these complex interactions which can have an influence on the survival of target species to conserve.

Staphylococci among Wild European Rabbits from the Azores: A Potential Zoonotic Issue?

The prevalence and diversity of Staphylococcus species from wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the Azores were investigated, and the antibiotic resistance phenotype and genotype of the isolates were determined. Nasal samples from 77 wild European rabbits from São Jorge and São Miguel islands in Azores were examined. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors was determined by PCR. The genetic lineages of S. aureus isolates were characterized by spa typing and multilocus sequence typing. A total of 49 staphylococci were obtained from 35 of the 77 wild rabbits. Both coagulase-positive (8.2%) and coagulase-negative (91.8%) staphylococci were detected: 4 S. aureus, 17 S. fleurettii, 13 S. sciuri, 7 S. xylosus, 4 S. epidermidis, and 1 each of S. simulans, S. saprophyticus, S. succinus, and S. equorum. The four S. aureus isolates showed methicillin susceptibility and were characterized as spa type t272/CC121, Panton-Valentine leukocidin negative, and hlB positive. Most of the coagulase-negative staphylococci showed resistance to fusidic acid and beta-lactams, and multidrug resistance was identified especially among S. epidermidis isolates. The mecA gene was detected in 20 isolates of the species S. fleurettii and S. epidermidis, associated with the blaZ gene in one S. epidermidis isolate. Five antimicrobial resistance genes were detected in one S. epidermidis isolate (mecA,dfrA,dfrG,aac6'-aph2'', and ant4). Our results highlight that wild rabbits are reservoirs or "temporary hosts" of Staphylococcus species with zoonotic potential, some of them carrying relevant antimicrobial resistances.

Seismic preparedness of families with children: Measures and dynamics.

Earthquakes are unpredictable events, thus seismic preparedness of households should be fostered, considering the specific needs of each family. Children, for example, are particularly vulnerable to disasters and to the effects of their consequences, but can also act as promoters of preparedness within families. Being part of a wider research, this qualitative study intends to better understand seismic preparedness within families with children in S. Miguel, the largest and most populated island of the volcanic archipelago of the Azores. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted. The first interview was conducted with 125 family representatives, addressing their current preparedness measures. From these representatives, 105 families that had non-existent or insufficient preparedness were selected for a second interview. In the time between the two interviews, the families were instructed to develop seismic preparedness measures. The process of development of these measures was also assessed. Data were analysed using content analysis and frequency analysis. Results point to low levels of preparedness, both at the time of the initial interview and developed subsequently, and families adopted few preparedness measures specifically targeting their children's needs. The results highlight, therefore, that household seismic preparedness should be promoted, with clear indications regarding preparedness specifically for families with children.

Volcanic Record of the Last Geomagnetic Reversal in a Lava Flow Sequence From the Azores

We present paleomagnetic and geochronological data of twenty-five stacked lava flows from São Miguel Island (Azores) that were emplaced during the last geomagnetic reversal (Matuyama-Brunhes, M-B). The characteristic direction of natural remanent magnetization was isolated through alternating field and/or thermal demagnetization. From bottom to top, the directional changes display a first phase with reverse, transitional and normal directions which is followed by a second phase with transitional and normal directions. Dating by Potassium-Argon (K-Ar) of fresh separated groundmass provide ages of 768 ± 5 ka and 765 ± 5 ka (1σ) for the first and second transitional episodes, respectively. We infer that this sequence recorded the last reversal and reveal the presence of a rebound that occurred soon after the transition. The age of the transition is 5-15 kyr younger than at other volcanic localities, but in agreement with astronomical ages that were recently proposed for the transitional interval. The reversal is characterized by weak field intensity during the transition, a recovery phase and a subsequent decrease during the rebound. The two transitional virtual geomagnetic poles (VGPs) that characterize the transition are found above the South Atlantic and the North Pacific. When compared to other M-B records, no VGP is found above preferred locations.

Incidence, prevalence and characteristics of MS in São Miguel, an island in the Atlantic

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory-demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). With approximately 2.3 million people estimated to live with MS globally, incidence and prevalence of the disease vary significantly across regions. Generically, the global distribution of MS varies with geographic latitude. However, MS epidemiological data in Southern Europe and Mediterranean countries revealed areas of unexpectedly high prevalence and incidence of MS, thereby demonstrating that clear exceptions to the variation of MS with latitude exist. Epidemiological evidence on MS in Portugal is limited to studies concerning specific regions of the country and therefore not representative of the entire country. More studies form different regions of the country are needed in order to effectively establish MS prevalence and incidence in Portugal.The aim of this study is to determine MS incidence and prevalence, as well as gather information on other clinical data in São Miguel, the biggest island of the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago situated in the North Atlantic. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of MS patients from the only hospital of São Miguel, an island with a population of 137,150 habitants. Only patients from São Miguel were included in the study. 1/07/2019 was established as the prevalence day and demographic characteristics (sex, age at diagnosis and year of diagnosis) and clinical outcome (type of the disease, treatment, clinical severity score [EDSS]) were reported. 5-year Incidence of MS was studied from 1/07/2014 to 01/07/2019. Results47 patients were enrolled in the study, 27 (57.4%) were female and 20 (42.6%) were male. 43 patients were classified as having RRMS and 4 patients classified as having SPMS. Prevalence of MS in São Miguel island was 34.3/100.000. The prevalence for females was 38.5/100.000 and for males was 29.9/100.000. Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted (to the population of the European Union in 2019) MS prevalence were 31.1/100.000 and 34.3/100.000 respectively. Incidence was 2.04/100,000 person-years for the overall population, 2.56/100,000 person-years for females and 1.49/100,000 person-years for males. Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted MS incidence were 1.74/100.000 person-years and 2.04/100.000 person-years respectively.Regarding clinical characteristics, the mean EDSS was 2.93 ± 1.85, the mean age at the time of the diagnosis was 31.77 ± 8.47 years and the mean time of evolution of the disease (period between diagnosis and prevalence date) was 9.19 ± 6.55 years. Treatment options were diverse and included first and second-line treatments as well as Immune reconstitution therapies. Interferon-beta was the most prescribed medication. 2 patients were not making any DMT. ConclusionsThe incidence and prevalence of MS reported by our study is lower than what was registered by other studies. Several reasons may explain these results such as the ancestry of the population of São Miguel, migratory flows and limitations in detecting all MS patients. Incidence and prevalence were higher in females. A marked heterogeneity in clinical characteristics was seen, with great variability in degree of disability, age at diagnosis and time of MS evolution. Treatment options were quite varied in the population, with Interferon-beta being the most prescribed DMT.

140 - Models of Behavioral Health Integration from Rochester NY

The Azores bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina) is an endemic bird of São Miguel island (Azores Archipelago, Portugal), currently threatened by two of the major causes of biodiversity loss worldwide: invasion of native habitats by exotic plants and habitat destruction by land use changes. The aim of this research was to develop and test a novel spatially explicit modelling framework that predicts the Azores bullfinch responses to alternative realistic scenarios of native forest management. This was done by integrating Multi-Model Inference statistical analysis, Stochastic-Dynamic Modelling and Geographic Information Systems under a common framework relating bird population trends to changes in the surrounding habitats. Overall, in the next 25 years, the Azores bullfinch breeding population was predicted to increase around 19% as a consequence of habitat management actions already implemented (“LIFE Priolo” project) or around 27% in the context of realistic future habitat restoration scenarios. These results represent, respectively, a supplementary increase of more 6% or more 13% in the Azores bullfinch abundance when compared with the trends simulated for the scenario without management. Nevertheless, those actions seemed to be relatively ineffective in promoting the expansion of the species from the actual restricted favourable area, essentially due to local forestry dynamics and on-going plant invasion processes. This novel integrative approach provides a promising baseline to support ecological models with increased realism and predictive power, making the outputs more useful and intuitive to decision-makers and environmental managers.

CO2 emissions from Fogo intracaldera volcanic lakes (São Miguel Island, Açores): A tool for volcanic monitoring

A geochemical study was carried out at Fogo Lake during June 2016, in one of the deepest lakes on São Miguel Island, as well as on small associated pond, in order to identify possible anomalous degassing areas. Fogo Lake is located inside the summit caldera of Fogo Volcano, one of the three active central volcanoes that dominate São Miguel geology.The hydrogeochemical profile carried out along the water column of the Fogo Lake suggests that the lake was thermally stratified, corresponding to poorly mineralized and cold Na-Cl type waters. The same composition is found in the small pond, but with a slight Ca-enrichment.To measure the CO2 flux at the lake surface, the modified accumulation chamber method was used, and a total of 1696 measurements were accomplished, covering an area of approximately 1.56 km2. Measured CO2 flux values are relatively low, ranging from 0 to 28.4 g m−2 d−1 (mean = 2.6 g m−2 d−1) and from 2.1 to 15.0 g m−2 d−1 (mean = 6.3 g m−2 d−1), respectively at Fogo Lake and at the small pond. The very low values measured in the central area of Fogo Lake are associated with the monomictic character of the lake, as the CO2 is not able to ascend into the surface when the water column is stratified during the warmer period.Statistical analyses suggest that the CO2 emission is associated with a single source of CO2, probably biogenic; a similar signature is pointed by the water δ13C isotopic content. The estimated total CO2 emissions from the Fogo Lake was approximately 4.04 t d−1, much higher than the value observed at the small pond (0.19 t d−1).

Characterization of the tectonic origins of historical and modern seismic events and their societal impact on the Azores Archipelago, Portugal

Abstract The Azores archipelago is located in the North Atlantic Ocean and consists of nine volcanic islands distributed along a general WNW–ESE trend, crossing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) in the zone where three lithospheric plates (Eurasian, Nubian and North American) come across. To the west of the MAR, at the North American plate, the Corvo and Flores islands emerge from a present-day, relatively stable geological setting, while the other islands are located in an important seismically and volcanically active zone, corresponding to the boundary between the Eurasian and Nubian tectonic plates. Since the settlement of the Azores archipelago, in the mid-fifteenth century, several destructive earthquakes, such as the 1522 earthquake that severely affected São Miguel Island, and seismic crises with a significant destructive impact, have affected the region with intensities up to X (European Macroseismic Scale of 98 – EMS-98). The location of such events, either inland or offshore, is mainly related to the WNW–ESE structural system, which extends from the MAR to the Gloria Fault (GF). The instrumental seismic activity registered since 1997 has allowed improvements to the characterization of the present-day boundary between the Eurasian and Nubian plates.

Digital sustainability communication in tourism

The relevance of sustainable tourism is unquestionable. Tourism and hospitality firms worldwide are moving toward more sustainable product offerings. However, not all firms communicate their achievements and commitments in this area. This study assesses the sustainable digital communication of small and medium accommodation firms and relates that information to the sophistication of their online presence. For this purpose, data were retrieved from the websites of 759 accommodation firms located in the Azores (São Miguel Island), classified as a sustainable island destination. The results indicate that international accreditations are less commonly adopted than local accreditations and that smaller firms tend to value eco-labeling when promoting their offers online. It is also noticed that sustainable achievements are highlighted on more sophisticated websites. This is one of the first studies to explore online sustainability communication; more specifically, the link with website sophistication among tourism SMEs. It is hoped that this study will stimulate further research on communication and SME practices on tourism sustainability and improve policy efforts to promote wider adoption of sound practices.

Children's Books and Literature from the Perspectives of Preschool and Primary Teachers

This paper seeks to understand how a group of preschool and primary teachers perceive the type of use they carry out of children’s literature. Thus, it analyses the type of books in the classrooms and the underlying criteria for their choice, the frequency of the activities implemented within this scope and the organisation of the educational environment for the promotion of reading skills. In terms of the methodology used, this research is based on the collection of information through a questionnaire survey, completed by 24 preschool teachers and 53 primary teachers of S. Miguel Island, The Azores, Portugal. The data collected were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The data allow concluding that, although all respondents value children’s literature, there are differences between the way preschool and primary teachers use it, alerting to the need for deeper reflection on the pedagogical practices implemented.

A comprehensive overview of the cystic fibrosis on the island of S\xe3o Miguel (Azores, Portugal)

BackgroundEarly diagnosis and treatment are improving significantly the quality of life of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This recessive disease is caused by a great variability of mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance (CFTR) gene, whose spectrum and frequency can be different across populations. MethodsWe performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of CF patients from the island of São Miguel (Azores, Portugal) through a clinical, genealogical, genetic and epidemiological investigation. The clinical course of patients was analyzed as a whole and according to their genotype.ResultsWe identified 14 CF patients within a 23-year period, corresponding to a cumulative incidence of 1:3012 births, being three of them born from consanguineous unions. Genetic analysis revealed three CFTR genotypes: p.[Ser4Ter];[Gln1100Pro] was present in one patient with a less severe phenotype (1/14); c.[120del23];p.[Phe508del], a very rare one (2/14); and p.[Phe508del];[Phe508del] in the remaining patients (11/14). Clinically, respiratory infections (8/14) and growth failure (6/14) were the most common initial manifestations. All patients presented pancreatic dysfunction, with 21.4 and 100% of them showing endocrine and exocrine insufficiency, respectively. As expected, patients with severe phenotype were homozygous for p.Phe508del and had the lowest value of body mass index.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that São Miguel Island has an increased incidence of CF when compared to recent Portuguese data (1:7500 live births). It also allowed a comprehensive overview of CF in São Miguel, improving medical practice along with genetic counselling and creating opportunities for genotype-targeted therapies.

Dolphin whistle repertoires around São Miguel (Azores): Are you common or spotted?

Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) are both common in the Azores archipelago during summer. Because both species are sympatric, at least in part of their range, they may use acoustic features to recognize conspecifics and maintain school cohesion throughout their different activities. Delphinid whistles were recorded with a 96-kHz sampling rate using towed hydrophone system during surveys held in summer of 2013 and 2014 around São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal). A total of 256 whistles attributed to either short-beaked common dolphin (n = 133) or Atlantic spotted dolphin (n = 123) were selected and processed with a contour extraction software. Elementary statistical analysis showed that duration, frequency and slope variables were significantly different for both species, although in most cases their range overlapped. We performed a discriminant analysis to test species classification: the dataset was randomly split into one calibration subset (186 whistles) and one validation subset (70 whistles). The discriminant analysis retained four variables (global slope, duration, minimal and final frequencies) as useful for classification. The discriminant function resulted in correct classification rates of 78.5% (calibration subset) and 81.4% (validation subset). Common dolphin whistles were better classified than Atlantic spotted dolphin whistles (83.4% and 74.8%) respectively. This study shows that reliable species identification can be achieved for common and spotted dolphins using their whistle repertoire characteristics.

Who, why and how: stakeholder attitudes toward marine non-indigenous species management in Portuguese Atlantic Islands

A key aspect for a successful management of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) is the cooperation with local stakeholders. In this study we assessed stakeholders' baseline knowledge and perceptions on marine NIS foreseeing support for their management in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos (Portugal). Survey questionnaires were designed to assess: i) current knowledge and stakeholder perception of NIS and associated problems; ii) influence of communication media on NIS dissemination; iii) stakeholder willingness to be involved in NIS management actions and; iv) which factors predict stakeholder participation in NIS management actions. Face-to face survey questionnaires were administered in recreational marinas of São Miguel (Azores) and Madeira islands. Four groups of stakeholders classified based on their putative relation with NIS were selected as target. In total 214 survey questionnaires were collected and analysed. Our results showed no significant differences between stakeholders based in São Miguel and the ones from Madeira. Overall a strong baseline knowledge on NIS and associated consequences was found but a weak accuracy to identify NIS examples was demonstrated. Types of communication media revealed to be stakeholder-specific and information-specific. Decision tree predictive models showed three powerful factors to forecast the respondent's participation in NIS management actions: 1- to belong to one of the four stakeholder groups; 2- to have a good level of NIS knowledge; and 3- to have the perception that NIS introduction is an important issue. Despite the positive attitude exhibited by stakeholders in engaging NIS management, our results highlighted a consensus to attribute governmental responsibility to such activities. The results of this work constitute a baseline to develop further management actions aiming to reduce the local spread of marine NIS and so contributing to a better environmental status of Portuguese marine waters.

The Azorean edible abalone Haliotis tuberculata, an alternative heavy metal-free marine resource?

Abalones are considered a delicacy and exploited for food worldwide. In many places, overfishing has led to the decimation of wild stocks and many are now reared in aquaculture systems. In the Azores, there is no tradition of eating abalones and Haliotis tuberculata stocks are still virtually untouched. However, as tourism in the islands grows and the stocks of other shellfish diminish, there is an increasing pressure to find alternative edible resources, leading to a rising interest in abalones. According to previous studies performed in the region, other edible species, including the local highly appreciated limpets and the giant barnacle, present high concentration levels of some heavy metals, which has been attributed to the volcanic origin of the islands. Here we analysed the metal content in the edible tissue of Haliotis tuberculata from São Miguel Island, Azores. The potential human health risks due to its consumption was assessed by estimating the average daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) of metals. Similarly to other organisms in the Azores, abalones have higher than normal levels of some heavy metals, particularly cadmium, reflecting a local natural source that should be closely monitored from a public health point of view.