Permissible Tolerable Daily Intake Research Articles

Chemical profile and toxicological analysis of Pluerotus pulmonarius grown on different substrates

Mushrooms are rich sources of bioactive compounds; however, their safety for human consumption is a public health concern. This study investigated the chemical profile and toxicological effects of Pluerotus pulmonarius (mushroom) grown on three substrates (corn cob, sawdust, and palm bunch). The mushrooms were designated corn cob mushroom (CCM), sawdust mushroom (SDM), and palm bunch mushroom (PBM), respectively. The mushrooms' bioactive compounds and heavy metals were characterized using a GC-MS and ICP-AES, respectively. Acute and sub-acute tests of the mushrooms were conducted in mice fed mushroom-supplemented diets at a 1:1 (w/w) proportion. Heavy metals bioaccumulation factor (Ka) estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) were calculated. Twelve major bioactive compounds and three heavy metals (Cu, Zn, and Fe) were detected in the mushrooms. PBM-fed mice had the highest total plasma protein and GSH levels, and GPx activity, but the lowest ALT and AST activities, and LDH and urea levels. The SDM-fed mice exhibited the lowest cholesterol level in the sub-acute test, while the CCM-fed mice had the highest cholesterol in both the acute and sub-acute toxicity test. CCM-fed mice also showed the highest HDL level in both the acute and sub-acute toxicity studies. The mushrooms bio-accumulated more Zn than Fe, but their EDI were below the permissible tolerable daily intake. The mushrooms' THQ of Cu, Zn and Fe were greater than 1, except that of Cu in CCM (THQ, 0.96), but their HI values were less than 5, except in PBM (HI, 6.40). The mushroom-fed mice had a normal kidney morphology, and a mild-to-moderate portal inflammation of their liver tissues. Hence, P. pulmonarius from different substrates caused no severe toxicity in mice, but their HI for Cu, Zn, and Fe suggests a potential risk to humans.

Heavy metal exposure risk associated with ingestion of Oreochromis niloticus and Coptodon kottae harvested from a lacustrine ecosystem

Lacustrine ecosystems have not been widely assessed for heavy metal contamination and associated health risks; yet, they could be accumulating these contaminants to the detriment of aquatic organisms and communities relying on them for various aspects. The water quality index (WQI) and concentrations of heavy metals including As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in water, sediment, Oreochromis niloticus, and in the endemic and endangered Coptodon kottae in Lake Barombi Kotto in Cameroon were determined to evaluate fish heavy metal bioaccumulation, and heavy metal exposure risk posed to communities consuming these fish species. The WQI of the lake was found to be excellent with heavy metal concentrations that were lower than what was obtained in the sediments and fish samples. Mean heavy metal concentrations in sediment ranged from 0.86 ± 0.03 mg/kg for Cd to 560.1 ± 11.15 mg/kg for Fe. In both fish species, Fe, Mn, and Cu had the highest concentrations. Though the heavy metal concentrations in the lake water were low, heavy metal bioconcentration factors for both fish species were very high ranging from 1.6 for Fe to 1568 for Mn. The concentration patterns of heavy metals in the organs of both fish species followed the order bones > gut > muscle. Consumption of these two fish species contributes less than 1.0% of the permissible tolerable daily intake (PTDI) and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of these metals with lead (Pb) having the potential to exceed permissible exposure levels when high amounts of these fish are consumed by adults.

Distribution and Bioaccumulation of Essential and Toxic Metals in Tissues of Thaila (Catla catla) from a Natural Lake, Pakistan and Its Possible Health Impact on Consumers

Although fish are often recommended as a component of a healthy diet, the environmental accumulation of heavy metals in many fish species has been of considerable concern for those weighing the nutritional health benefits against adverse toxic outcome of excess intake of toxic metals. This study aimed to determine the concentration of essential and toxic metals in the tissues of Catla catla in Mangla Lake and to assess the possible risk to the consumers. Fifty samples of Catla catla were collected from Mangla Lake, Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and analyzed for eighteen metals including essential and trace metals. The measured range concentrations (µg/g, wet weight) in muscle tissues, in decreasing order, were: K (955–1632), Ca (550–2081), Na (449–896), Mg (129–312), Zn (61.2–215), Fe (11.6–26.8), Sr (2.60–9.27), Pb (1.72–7.81), Se (1.55–3.55), Co (0.12–4.08), Mn (1.04–4.33), Ni (0.69–3.06), Cu (0.88–2.78), Cr (0.45–1.88), As (0.67–1.58), Cd (0.28–0.56), Hg (0.17–0.57) and Li (0.12–0.38). The metal concentrations found in this study were comparatively higher than those reported in literature. A majority of the metals exhibited higher accumulation in gills compared with those in scales and muscles. Mean levels of Pb, As, Co, Mn, Cd, Cr and Zn in Catla catla muscle were found to be exceeding the international permissible limits for the safe human consumption. The condition factor (K), as an indicator of fish health status, indicated that Catla catla of Mangla Lake are in good health condition. The metal pollution index (MPI) of gills (27.9), scales (12.5) and muscle (7.57) indicated low contamination. Moreover, human health risk was evaluated using estimated weekly intake (EWI) and daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target cancer risk (TCR). Estimated weekly and daily intake values for As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb were higher than provisional permissible tolerable weekly intake and permissible tolerable daily intake while THQ for As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Se and Zn was higher than 1. The THQ for As, Hg and Pb was several folds higher than 1, indicative of lifetime non-carcinogenic health risks to the consumers. The hazard index indicated cumulative risk, which greatly increased with increasing fish consumption. Target cancer risk indicated that the people eating the Catla catla from Mangla Lake were exposed to As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb with a significant lifetime carcinogenic risk. In summary, consumption of Catla catla from this lake was found to be associated with an increased lifetime risk to the general health of the consumers.

Risk assessment of trace element accumulation in two species of edible commercial fish Scomberoides commersonnianus and Cynoglossus arel from the northern waters of the Oman Sea

Concentrations of heavy metals, namely, cadmium, copper, zinc, lead, and chromium were measured in the muscle tissue of Scomberoides commersonnianus and Cynoglossus arel from the northern waters of the Oman Sea. Human health risk assessment for Iranian child and adult consumers were also evaluated. The mean concentration of zinc and copper were lower than international standards of maximum permissible limits (MPL). The estimated daily and weekly intakes (EDI and EWI) of all metals were lower than permissible tolerable daily intake (PTDI). The permissible frequency of fish consumption (CRmm) of S. commersonnianus and C. arel showed that they are safe for both children and adults even at a high meal frequency (>16 meals/month). Target hazard quotient (THQ) and risk index (HI) values were higher than 1 for Cu in adults, Cu and Zn in children with consumption rate of 7 times per week. Therefore, consumption of these spices of Oman Sea more than 7 times per week can threaten the health of consumers.

The Effect of Monsoon on Chemical Composition and Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Scomberomorus commerson, Lacepede 1800, from Oman Sea

This study was performed to determine the chemical compositions and heavy metals in the muscle of Scomberomorus commerson from the Oman Sea, during the two seasons, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon in 2018. The protein, fat, moisture, and ash contents were determined by AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) methods. Heavy metal (Zn, Cu, and Pb) analyses were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer after acid digestion. There were significant differences between protein, fat, moisture, and ash values in muscle tissue in two seasons (P Cu>Pb. The amounts of Zn, Cu, and Pb were below maximum permissible limits (MPL) recommended by international standards (FAO, FAO/WHO, and MAFF). Results revealed that estimated daily and weekly intakes of Zn, Cu, and Pb were far below the permissible tolerable daily intake (PTWI) recommended by FAO/WHO. Therefore, consumption of S. commerson in the pre and post-monsoon has no risks for human health in the Oman Sea.

Heavy Metals Contamination and Potential Human Health Risk via Consumption of Vegetables from Selected Communities in ONELGA, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Anthropogenic activities such as excessive oil exploration, automobile emissions with agricultural activities, etc tend to elevate the concentrations of heavy metals in the soil. These metals are accumulated by plant roots, thereby resulting to heavy metal contamination of such plants.
 Objectives: This study evaluated the concentration of heavy metals namely: Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), Iron (Fe), and Copper (Cu) in edible vegetables from selected communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Rivers State, Nigeria, and the concentrations of these metals were used to assess the human health risk posed to the consumers of the edible vegetables.
 Materials and Methods: Sixteen different vegetable samples comprising Vernonia amygdalina, Talinum triangulare, Abelmoschus esculentus and Telfairia occidentalis were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (F-AAS). Results obtained from this study were used to estimate the human health risk of these heavy metals.
 Results: The results showed that the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni, As, Fe, and Cu ranged from 0.168-4.908; 0.364-2.977; 2.780-10.241; 0.157-2.633; 61.589-101.520 and 12.029-46.540 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni and As in some of the analyzed vegetable samples exceeded the permissible limit as recommended by WHO/FAO, EC/CODEX and NAFDAC respectively. The concentration of Fe and Cu were below the permissible limit as recommended by WHO/FAO. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of Pb and Cd exceeded the permissible tolerable daily intake of metals (TDI) but fall within the upper tolerable daily intake (UTDI) recommended by Institute of medicine, FDA, also Ni, Fe, and Cu fall within the recommended TDI and the UTDI. The EDI values of As exceeded the recommended TDI and the UTDI. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values of Pb, Cd, Cu and Ni were greater than 1. The Life Cancer Risk (LCR) of Pb were within the range of permissible predicted lifetime risks for carcinogens as recommended by US EPA.
 Conclusion: The result from the present study indicate that the exposed population may be at risk of Pb, Cd, Ni and Cu toxicity.

Human Health Risk via Cadmium Concentration in Different Tissues of Domesticated Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) and Wild Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

Quail hunting is a major socioeconomic practice in Egyptian coastal areas. The accumulation of cadmium in feathers (chest and tail), muscle, kidneys and livers were analyzed and compared in both wild migratory and domesticated Japanese quails using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Domesticated Japanese quail recorded higher concentrations of cadmium than the wild one. Cadmium concentration was higher in kidneys and livers than that in the pectoral muscle and feathers. To assess potential risk to human health, daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) were calculated. The EDI in all tissues was within the permissible tolerable daily intake (PTDI) limit except for kidney values in domesticated species. THQ of all tested organs was less than one, indicating that harmful impacts are not expected. People should avoid eating kidneys and livers of quail in their diets but can safely feed on muscles as they accumulate low percentage of the toxic cadmium.

Lead and Cadmium Levels in Mussels and Fishes from Three Coastal Ecosystems of NW Mexico and Its Potential Risk due to Fish and Seafood Consumption

The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of cadmium and lead in edible tissue of Mytella charruana and Mugil curema from three coastal lagoons (Altata Ensenada del Pabellon, AEP; Urias, URI; and Teacapan, TEA) of Sinaloa (NW of Mexico) during an annual cycle, to compare maximum permissible levels (MPLs) of with legal limits of cadmium and lead, and to assess potential risk for consumers. Samples of charry mussel (M. charruana) and white mullet (M. curema) were collected every two months between July 2005 and July 2006 in three of the main lagoon systems in the state of Sinaloa (NW Mexico): Altata-Ensenada del Pabellon (AEP), Urias (URI) and Teacapan (TEA), which represent different pollution. The range of mean levels in the studied lagoons were as follows: in M. charruana Cd 0.064 to 0.222 and Pb 0.206 to 0.482 μg g-1 ww, respectively and in M. curema Cd 0.003 to 0.018 and Pb 0.013 to 0.019 μg g-1 ww, respectively. Taking into account national and international regulations, the Cd and Pb levels detected in M. curema apparently do not pose a risk for human health. Nonetheless, for M. charruana the scenario is different, some levels of Cd in TEA surpassed maximum permissible levels (MPL’s) of European Commission (EC) and Codex regulations and on the other hand, Pb levels in AEP rather than URI surpassed MPLs of national and international regulations. Although some levels exceed legal limits, risks for human health are diluted because EDI - of Cd and Pb - via consumption of edible tissue of fish were far below the provisional permissible tolerable daily intake (PTDI) values established by FAO/WHO. However, this situation is different if we taking into account, different patterns of consumption in mussels, few EDI values exceed the established levels of PTDI.

Distribution of heavy metals, stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) and risk assessment of fish from the Yellow River Estuary, China

This study measured the concentrations of eight heavy metals, including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni), and the stable isotope ratios of δ13C and δ15N in 129 fish samples collected from the Yellow River Estuary (YRE) of China. Accumulation characteristics and possible sources of these heavy metals (HMs) were analyzed. The levels of HMs presented high variations among sampling sites, higher concentrations of ∑HMs were observed at the sites closest to the estuary. Cu and Cd in fishes of the YRE were much higher than those found in the fishes of other rivers of China. Furthermore, the mean concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr and Cd were also significantly higher than those measured in the fishes of the same region twenty years ago. According to the results of correlation analysis and principal components analysis (PCA), Pb, Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni might be originated from similar sources. The values of δ13C and δ15N presented high variation in fishes, indicating a wide range of energy sources and trophic status of the investigated fish species. The mean concentrations of Pb, Cr and Cd in fishes were all lower than the recommended values enacted by the Chinese government. The human health risk assessment showed that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of these HMs did not exceed the permissible tolerable daily intake (PTDI) and oral reference dose (RfD), indicating a situation of no potential health risk for consumption of these fish species.

HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATION AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK FROM SELECTED FISH IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract: Introduction : Heavy metals are known to cause deleterious effects on human health through food chain. Aims: The study is aimed at assessing heavy metal concentrations in the tissues of four highly consumed fish species and to evaluate the potential health risks associated with their consumption. Materials and Methods: The concentrations of Cu, Cd and Pb were analyzed in the tissues of Titus (Scomber Japonicus), Croaker (Pseudolithus Elongatus), Scumbia (Ilisha Africana) and Shrimps (Pipeus Notialis) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) after digestion of the samples. Results: The results showed that Cd was not detected in the tissues of all fish species. There were variations among Cu and Pb concentrations in the tissues of the fish species. Cu had the highest concentrations (1.00 µg/g) in the tissues of croaker and shrimps respectively while Pb had the lowest concentrations (0.25 µg/g) in the tissues of Scumbia . The levels of all metals in the present study were lower than the limits permitted by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO), European Community Regulation (EU) and European Commission (EC). Assessment of noncarcinogenic health hazard using Target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) indicated no concern from consumption of these fish species. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of the studied metals through fish consumption was below the permissible tolerable daily intake. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is no potential human health risk from consumption of the selected fish species. Keywords: Heavy metals, Hazard index, Target hazard quotient.

Toxic and essential metals in Cyprinus carpio, Carassius gibelio, and Luciobarbus esocinus tissues from Keban Dam Lake, Pertek, Turkey

ABSTRACTIn various tissues of Luciobarbus esocinus, Cyprinus carpio, and Carassius gibelio which were taken from Keban Dam Lake Pertek region’s freshwaters, Turkey in January–February 2016, concentrations of mercury, nickel, lead, cadmium, arsenic, manganese, chromium, and cobalt were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after microwave digestion. In fish muscle mean chromium concentration (0.614 mg kg−1 in C. carpio muscle) was higher than the maximum limits as set by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organisation. Additionally, mean concentration of lead (0.380 mg kg−1 in C. gibelio muscle) was higher compared to the maximum limit as set by Turkish Standards. Furthermore, in the assessment of the potential health risk, estimated weekly and daily intake of all metals were considerably below permissible tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) and permissible tolerable daily intake values. As a result, consumption of these fish species from this region does not pose a problem on human health.

Trace metal concentrations in euryhaline fish species from Chilika lagoon: human health risk assessment

Five trace metals, viz. copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg) and zinc (Zn), in three organs (muscle, gills and liver) of four selected fish species (Mugil cephalus, Eleutheronema tetradactylum, Etroplus suratensis and Daysciaena albida) from Chilika lagoon were studied monthly to assess the concentration level and human health risk via consumption. The average and range of metal concentrations (μg g−1) in flesh of the fish species were found to be: Cu (4.15, 3.47–5.03), Cr (0.25, 0.04–0.63), Fe (19.72, 14.51–27.30), Hg (0.07, 0.05–0.08) and Zn (8.09, 4.41–11.36). The metal concentrations measured in the edible muscles of all fish species were found lower as compared to the contents in liver and gill. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in trace metal accumulation among the organs (p 0.05), with the exception of Zn accumulation (p < 0.05). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of the trace metals through the consumption of fish as a dietary component varied widely from 0.48 to 21.33% with respect to the corresponding permissible tolerable daily intake (PTDI). The target hazard quotients (THQs) calculated considering these EDIs for individual metals indicated that the Cr and Cu metals dominantly contributed (avg. THQ = 0.198) to represent the hazard index (HI) than other metals (avg. THQ = 0.029). The average HI determined for all the species was <1 (0.484, ranged 0.255–0.605), indicating that these fish species of Chilika are safe for human consumption.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals Content and Human Health Risk Assessment via Consumption of Vegetables from Selected Markets in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals namely (Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr)) via consumption of vegetables from selected markets in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Sixteen different vegetable samples comprising of Bitter leaves (Vernonia amygdalina), Curry leaves (Ocimum basilicum), Scent leaves (Ocimum gratissmum), Water Leaves (Talinum triangulare), Uziza (Piper guineese), Fluted pumpkin (Telferia occidetalis), Okazi (Gnetum africanum), and Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Solar Thermo Elemental Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (STEF-AAS). Results obtained were used to estimate the health risk of these heavy metals via consumption of the vegetable samples. The results from the study showed that the heavy metal concentration ranged between 0.016 to 1.387 mg/kg, 0.028 to 1.487 mg/ kg, 0.093 to 3.625 mg/kg and 0.893 to 2.478 mg/kg for Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr respectively. The concentration of Pb was below permissible limit recommended by WHO/FAO. The concentration of Cd in O. gratissimum and T. triangulare from both markets exceeded the permissible limit recommended by WHO/FAO and EC/CODEX. The concentration of Ni in O. gratissimum and T. occidetalis from Kpanshia market exceeded the permissible limit recommended by NAFDAC while Cr from both markets exceeded permissible limit recommended by European community/CODEX. The Hazard Index (HI) values for all the samples under study were greater than (>) 1 which indicates that there is potential health risk to those consuming these vegetables except A. esculentus in Kpanshia market for adults which was less than (<) 1. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) concentrations of Pb in O. gratissimum, T. occidetalis and G. africanum from Kpanshia market and O. basilicum from Swali market, Cd in T. triangulare and O. gratissimum from both markets and Ni in T. occidetalis from Swali market for children only were all greater than 1 which indicates level of concern that the population may be at risk of either Pb, Ni or Cd toxicity. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) concentrations of Pb in O. gratissimum, T. occidetalis and G. africanum all from Kpanshia market, Cd in T. triangulare from both markets, and Ni in all the samples from both markets were all above the permissible tolerable daily intake (PTDI) limit as recommended by EFSA (European Food and Safety Agency) meaning that those who consume this product may be at risk. The results from the present study tends to suggest that consumption of vegetables from both markets under study in Bayelsa state could be one of the contributory factors to the heavy metal burden among consumers due to their frequent consumption.

Contamination of Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn in &lt;i&gt;Katsuwonus pelamis&lt;/i&gt; (Linnaeus, 1758) from Karachi Fish Harbor and Potential Risks to Human Health

In the present study, skipjack tuna ( Katsuwonus pelamis ) from the Karachi coast between 2006 and 2011 were chosen and analyzed for the Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn levels in the edible dorsal tissues, livers, kidney, gills and gonads. The liver tissues had the highest concentrations of metals (623±103 mg kg-1 for Fe, 49±13 mg kg-1 for Mn, 67±17 mg kg-1 for Cu and 68±21 mg kg-1 for Zn). The muscle maximum concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn were 46±17, 6±2, 7±2 and 7±2 mg kg-1, respectively. The results revealed that Fe concentrations were higher than those of other metals. The values obtained were compared with the international regulation maximal allowable standards in seafood. The current work attested that calculated diurnal and hebdomadal intakes of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn levels by way of consumption of skipjack tuna were not in excess of the Permissible Tolerable Daily Intake (PTDI) and Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) values established by FAO/WHO. In conclusion, K. pelamis appears to be useful bioindicator due to their accumulation of the metals and continued sampling and pollution effects on food chain organisms comparatively are required for further investigations.

Health Concerns Related to Consumption of Fish from Anzali Wetland

Two hundred and forty fishes including Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Silurus glanis, and Esox lucius (male and female) were collected from four sampling sites in Anzali wetland including Anzali, Khazarvila, Pirbazar, and Beshman through late April 2011. The potential health risk of Pb, Sn, and Zn to consumers was assessed by calculating the estimated daily intake, estimated weekly intake, hazard quotient, maximum allowable fish consumption rate, and monthly allowable consumption rate. In addition, the tissue structure of liver was studied in fish. Concentrations of Pb, Sn, Zn, Hg, Cu, and Ni were also measured in water and sediment. Based on the results, the accumulation and distribution patterns of metals in fish from different stations were as follows: Zn &gt; Sn &gt; Pb, H. molitrix &lt; S. glanis ≤ E. lucius, and Khazarvila &lt; Beshman ≤ Pirbazar ≤ Anzali, respectively. The distribution of metals in water and sediment showed the following pattern: Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Hg &gt; Sn &gt; Ni &gt; Pb. Liver samples had a normal histological structure consisted of intersinusoidal hepatocyte cords and hepatic triad in all fish species collected from Pirbazar, Beshman, and Khazarvila stations. In contrast, tissue changes including melanomacrophage aggregations and hemorrhage were detected in S. glanis and E. lucius collected from Anzali station. In sum, the levels of permissible tolerable daily intake and permissible tolerable weekly intake for metals (Pb, Sn, and Zn) in all fish species were lower than the allowable limit defined by Joint FAO/WHO Committee; therefore, consumption of these fishes seems to be safe.

Heavy metal levels in the liver and muscle tissues of the four commercial fishes from Lake Balik, Kızılırmak Delta (Samsun, Turkey)

Objective: To determine the levels of some heavy metals in the liver and edible tissues of four fish species (Mugil cephalus L., 1758 (M. cephalus), Cyprinus carpio L., 1758 (C. carpio), Perca fluviatilis L., 1758 (P. fluviatilis) and Stizostedion lucioperca L., 1758 (S. lucioperca)) collected from Lake Balik, Kizilirmak Delta (Samsun) for analysis of Cu, Co, Pb, Zn, Cd, Mn, Ni and Fe. These metals were chosen because at higher concentrations there might be toxic to the fish and by extension humans that depends on such fish as food. Methods: The concentrations of the metals were carried out by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (UNICAM 929). Results: Large differences in heavy metal levels were observed between liver and muscle tissues within each fish. The results showed that the Fe concentrations were the highest and Cd concentrations were the lowest in livers and edible tissues of the four species. The muscles of C. carpio accumulated significant higher levels of Co, Zn and Ni than other species. Cu was higher in the muscles of S. lucioperca than those in other species, while M. cephalus showed more of Mn and Fe levels. The muscles of P. fluviatilis accumulated significant higher levels of Pb and Cd than other species. However, the liver of M. cephalus accumulated significant higher levels of Co, Mn and Fe than other species. The level of Cd was the highest in the liver of P. fluviatilis, while S. lucioperca showed more of Cu and Pb, and the higher levels of Zn and Ni was measured in the liver of C. carpio. Conclusions: The metal levels obtained were compared with the maximum permitted levels in food of the Turkish Food Codex and Commission Regulation (EC). The results of this study showed that estimated daily and weekly intakes of selected metals via consumption of fish were below the permissible tolerable daily intake and provisional tolerable weekly intake values established by Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization.

Potential risk of some heavy metals in &lt;i&gt;Pampus chinensis&lt;/i&gt; (Euphrasen) Chinese silver pomfret Stromateidae collected from Karachi Fish Harbour, Pakistan

Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn and Pb levels were studied in muscle and liver tissues of Pampus chinensis from Karachi Harbour as is the most important fishery area in Pakistan to estimate the potential risk of human consumption. The fish samples were collected monthly from Karachi fishing ports during January-December 2013. Significant differences in metal concentrations were found between different months (P Zn>Cu>Pb in tissues. The liver metal concentrations showed the highest values, whereas the muscle concentrations were the lowest one. The mean (±SE) concentrations of Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn and Pb in the muscles were 0.95±0.08, 29.32±2.04, 0.13±0.02, 2.28±0.12, 4.00±0.20 and 0.36±0.03 mg/kg; dry wt, respectively. The mean (±SE) liver concentrations of Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn and Pb were 3.08±0.27, 414.30±18.07, 0.85±0.06, 32.75±1.67, 43.24±2.61 and 0.77±0.07 mg/kg; dry wt, respectively. None of the metals exceed the threshold limits for fish imposed by European Commission Regulation and other international organizations. This study also demonstrated that estimated daily intakes of selected metals via consumption of fish were below the Permissible Tolerable Daily Intake values established by FAO/WHO.

Assessment of trace metal concentrations in muscle tissue of certain commercially available fish species from Kayseri, Turkey

Regular consumption of fish has been widely recommended by health authorities. However, it is known that some species accumulate high levels of contaminants including heavy metals (e.g., Hg, Cd, Pb, and As). In this study, Cu, Pb, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, Cd, and Fe were determined in the muscle tissue of 11 commercially available fish species (Sparus auratus, Dicentrarchus labrax, Mullus barbatus, Belone belone, Psetta maxima, Epinephelus aeneus, Salmothymus, Soleidae, Pomatomus saltatrix, Engraulis encrasicolus, and Sarda sarda) supplied from retailers in Kayseri, Turkey. Determinations were carried out by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after the wet digestion method. The average metal concentrations of the 11 species were determined in the range of 0.54-1.79, 0.82-1.40, 2.38-4.54, 1.23-3.67, 5.01-5.97, 0.77-3.59, 0.48-1.06, and 5.05-122.8μg/g wet weight for Cu, Pb, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, Cd, and Fe, respectively. The permissible tolerable daily intake (PTDI) and calculated daily intake (CDI) values were compared, and the calculated daily intake values of the samples were found to be below the established values. Correlations between the metal contents in samples were investigated by performing correlation tests with SPSS 13.0 for windows.

Pesticide residues in human breast milk: Risk assessment for infants from Punjab, India

Punjab state in India is an agrarian society, where agriculture is the lifeline of farming community. To keep pace with increasing demands of food for growing population the indiscriminate use of pesticides has led to the contamination of environment and food commodities in this region.Analysis of human breast milk samples (n=53) for pesticide residues revealed the presence of β-, γ-HCH, p,p′ DDD, p,p′ DDE, p,p′ DDT and endrin with mean concentration of 97.9, 101.7, 239.8, 1574.1, 100.3 and 90.7ngg−1 lipid wt., respectively. In addition, occurrence of β-endosulfan, endosulfan sulphate, cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos in this study have also been reported for the first time in human breast milk in Punjab, India. With increase in parity, HCH and DDT residue burden in donor's milk decreased. Although levels of HCH and DDT residues in breast milk samples have decreased significantly, yet estimated daily intake values for DDT are higher than the FAO/WHO permissible tolerable daily intake values for few infants.

Distribution of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in the Tissues and Organs of &lt;i&gt;Psetta &lt;/i&gt;&lt;i&gt;M&lt;/i&gt;&lt;i&gt;axi&lt;/i&gt;&lt;i&gt;ma&lt;/i&gt; from Sinop Coasts of the Black Sea, Turkey

In the present study, turbot <i>Psetta maxima</i> were selected and analyzed for the Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd concentrations in the muscles, livers and gonads. The results revealed that Zn concentrations were the highest followed by Cu; Pb and Cd being the lowest in the tissues (muscle) and organs (gonads and liver). The liver metal concentrations showed the highest values, whereas the muscle concentrations were the lowest. A comparison between the concentration of each metal found in males and females found significant differences between the sexes for all metals. The liver concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd were in the range of 46.89-57.21, 15.96-29.51, 1.75-4.09 and 0.19-0.44 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. The gonad concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd were in the range of 37.81-44.11, 6.66-11.32, 0.21-0.34 and 0.14-0.27 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. The muscle concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd ranged 18.56-35.33, 1.81-6.11, 0.07-0.21 and 0.016-0.046 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. The values obtained were compared the Turkish Food Codex and Commission Regulation (EC) maximum permitted levels in food. The present study demonstrated that estimated daily and weekly intakes of selected metals via consumption of fish were below the Permissible Tolerable Daily Intake (PTDI) and Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) values established by FAO/WHO.