Trace Elements In Fish Research Articles

Distribution, bioaccumulation, trophic transfer and risk assessment of trace elements in fish from a typical shallow outflow lake basin, China

Distribution, bioaccumulation, trophic transfer and risk assessment of trace elements in fish from a typical shallow outflow lake basin, China

Assessing the Health Risks of Emerging Trace Elements in Fish, Bobo Croaker (Pseudotolithus elongatus) from Buguma Creek, Southern Nigeria

Assessing the Health Risks of Emerging Trace Elements in Fish, Bobo Croaker (Pseudotolithus elongatus) from Buguma Creek, Southern Nigeria

Risk assessment for seafood consumers exposed to mercury and other trace elements in fish from Long Island, New York, USA

We determined concentrations of Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Ni, Ag, Se, Cu, and Zn in muscle tissue of six commonly consumed Long Island fish species (black seabass, bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, tautog, and weakfish, total sample size = 1211) caught off Long Island, New York in 2018 and 2019. Long-term consumption of these coastal fish could pose health risks largely due to Hg exposure; concentrations of the other trace elements were well below levels considered toxic for humans. By combining the measured Hg concentrations in the fish (means ranging from 0.11 to 0.27 mg/kg among the fish species), the average seafood consumption rate, and the current US EPA Hg reference dose (0.0001 mg/kg/d), it was concluded that seafood consumption should be limited to four fish meals per month for adults for some fish (bluefish, tautog) and half that for young children. Molar ratios of Hg:Se exceeded 1 for some black seabass, bluefish, tautog, and weakfish.

Assessment of the concentration levels of heavy and trace elements in fish using Proton-Induced Gamma Emission

ABSTRACT Fish plays an essential role in Bangladesh people’s diet, being the leading and sometimes easily replaceable food of low-income households. Major and minor elements in fish are crucial for the biological process in the human body. The analyses of 18 distinct elements (Na, Mg, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Cd, I, Pb) in 6 selected fishes consumed by the people who live in the Savar region of Dhaka city in Bangladesh were conducted. The objective of the present analysis is to assess the concentration of heavy and trace elements in these fishes and provide up-to-date information if these fishes are safe to eat. The Proton-Induced Gamma Emission technique and the High Purify Germanium detector were used to detect the characteristic Gamma-rays from the target and then calculate the concentration of elements. In general, the highest concentrations range was typically found in K, Ca, and Fe, while the lowest concentrations range were found in V, Cd, and Pb. The findings were compared with the allowable limits of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA-407) and the World Health Organisation/Food and Agriculture Organization (WHO/FAO).Fish are a key source of protein for millions of Bangladeshi citizens, particularly households with low incomes, so monitoring the toxicity level of fish is very crucial. The present analysis results indicate that these fishes are not entirely free of health hazards in consumption. Further study will provide crucial information on the relationship between the concentration of elements and human health.

Influence of Biometric and Seasonal Parameters on the Metal Content of Scomber colias in Northwestern African Waters.

Studies of the content of heavy metals and trace elements in fish and other marine organisms are of great importance to know the state of the marine ecosystem. This study has been carried out in northwestern African waters, Scomber colias being the target species, sampling a total of 345 specimens over 2years. For the determination of metals and trace elements (Al, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) in the muscle, the ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) was used. In the statistical study, the factors (oceanographic and maturity in the seasons, size of the specimens) were used. The samples sampled in the cold season that had high concentrations of metals may be due to the influence that African upwelling has on the Canary Islands. The metallic contents of our samples are lower than those found in the studies in Mauritania and Morocco due to the greater influence that upwelling has in these areas.

Trace elements in water, sediment and commonly consumed fish from a fish farm (NE Zimbabwe) and risk assessments

Limited information is available on trace element-water contamination and health risk assessment of small-scale intensive fish farming in low-income settings. Such information creates awareness among fish consumers, policy makers and the scientific community, regarding dietary exposure and health risks for not well-reported settings. The concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements in water, sediment and fish (T. rendalli, O. nitloticus and M. salmoides) were determined by spectrometry. The ecological and potential human health risks were assessed for Magobo dam, NE Zimbabwe, using the Hakanson ecological approach and the United States Environmental Protection Agency risk-assessment model, respectively. Concentrations in water and sediment appeared to increase in the order: cadmium < arsenic < lead. They restricted water use for irrigation and human consumption. The potential ecological risk factors for individual trace elements were below the index range for low risk. The potential ecological risk index for the dam (7.20) did not constitute ecological risk. The concentrations of trace elements in fish significantly varied with species, length and tissue (p < 0.05). The concentrations of arsenic and lead in gills, liver and muscle for O. niloticus and arsenic in M. salmoides were greater than international maximum permissible limits for fish. The target cancer risk due to dietary exposure to arsenic in the three fish species was in the range 10–6. There is no obvious cancer risk to the exposed population.

Trace Elements in Crustaceans, Mollusks and Fish in the Kenyan Part of Lake Victoria: Bioaccumulation, Bioindication and Health Risk Analysis

This is the first comprehensive report on the accumulation of Cr, Ni, As, and Ag in the fish species Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and Nile perch Lates niloticus from Lake Victoria, complemented with recent data on Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb. This also is the first report on Cr, Ni, As, and Ag levels in invertebrates: the shrimp Caridina nilotica, gastropod Pila ovata, and bivalve Mutela bourguignati. The study was conducted at five sites in the Kenyan part of Lake Victoria: four sites in Winam Gulf influenced by various anthropogenic pressures, including a site near Kisumu City, and one in the main lake, with lesser direct anthropogenic influence. Apart from Cu and Ag, which were highest in O. niloticus liver, the invertebrates had higher levels of trace elements than fish. Contamination of the gulf with trace elements was best mirrored by the invertebrates, whose mobility is limited; they accumulated Cr, Cd, Ag, and Pb corresponding to the levels in the surface sediment. The accumulation of trace elements in fish species and their bioindicative potential corresponded to their habitats and feeding behaviour. The tissue contents of most trace elements were higher in the inshore-dwelling, omnivorous O. niloticus compared to the pelagic, piscivorous L. niloticus. Cu (465 ± 689 mg/kg dw) and Ag (3.45 ± 1.49 mg/kg dw) in the liver of O. niloticus were up to 10 and 119 times higher than in L. niloticus, respectively. Oreochromis niloticus therefore has bioindicative potential for Cu and Ag contamination. Both the invertebrates and fish showed positive correlations between Cu and Ag concentrations, indicating similar source and/or uptake route. The target hazard quotients (THQ) show that there is no human health risk associated with the consumption of these fish. However, the levels of Zn, Cd, and Pb in P. ovata surpassed maximum food safety limits and are hence potentially unsafe for human consumption.

Current distribution characteristics of trace elements in the coral-reef systems of Xisha Islands, China

The distribution characteristics, correlation, and bioavailability of 14 trace elements in different fishes and corals collected from the coral-reef systems of the Xisha Islands, China were systematic studied for the first time. All detected elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after pretreatment by microwave digestion. The fishes had slight differences in element enrichment selectivity and bioavailability with average levels as follows: V, 0.100 mg·kg−1; Cr, 0.683 mg·kg−1; Mn, 1.178 mg·kg−1; Fe, 51.806 mg·kg−1; Co, 0.072 mg·kg−1; Ni, 1.286 mg·kg−1; Cu, 1.428 mg·kg−1; Zn, 10.384 mg·kg−1; As, 6.437 mg·kg−1; Se, 0.830 mg·kg−1; Mo, 0.101 mg·kg−1; Cd, 0.051 mg·kg−1; Pb, 0.308 mg·kg−1; and U, 0.008 mg·kg−1. Trace element contents in corals were higher than those in fishes. The distribution characteristics of trace elements in fishes and corals presented a significant correlation in North Reef and Yongle Atoll, thereby indicating an evident effect on living areas compared with trace elements in fishes from the Spratly Islands. Cluster analysis of fishes and corals based on trace elements showed that they had different selectivities and bioavailabilities to trace elements. The EDI and THQ ratios of Cu, As, Cd, Cr, and Pb demonstrated that fishes were unlikely to experience serious adverse effects, except for As in Chaetodon auriga, Myripristis kuntee, Gnathodentex aureolineatus, and Hemigymnus melapterus in Xisha Islands.

Bioaccessibilities and health risk assessment of heavy and trace elements in fish from an urban city, India

An investigation on heavy and trace elements (HTEs) and their bioaccessibilities in the 15 fish species from two tropical rivers (Subarnarekha and Kharkai Rivers) of an urban city in India was carried out for accessing the health risk to the general populations. The average concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in the 15 fish species varied within 0.006–0.009, 0.016–0.023, 0.067–0.094, 1.52–1.88, 0.006–0.008, 0.229–0.355, 15.9–20.8 mg/kg w.w., respectively, and their bioaccessibilities varied within 49–60%, 45–63%, 29–49%, 56–68%, 55–75%, 51–78%, and 60–75%, respectively. Comparison of fish length and HTEs showed no significant relation. The increasing trend of Cr and Pb from planktonivores to piscivores fish species of Subarnarekha River showed the biomagnification of these elements through the food web. The similar trend was observed for Cd in Kharkai River, suggesting the biomagnification of Cd. The total hazard index (THI) was found lower than the bioaccessible hazard index (BHI), and Pb and Zn were major risk contributors. The BHI and THI values were far below 1, implying no significant health risk to the general population. However, BHI values showed that the general population are more vulnerable to Zn and Pb exposure due to consumption of invertivores fish species.

Effects of dietary Sel-Plex supplement on growth performance, hematological and immunological parameters in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869)

Selenium is one of the most essential trace elements in fishes. Therefore, determining the optimal level of selenium in the fish diet is one of the main concerns of researchers.This study investigated the effects of Sel-Plex (Selenium yeast) supplement on the hematological parameters and immunological parameters, and growth performance in Siberian Sturgeon, Acipenser baerii. The Siberian Sturgeon fed with diets supplemented with 0 (control), 5, 10 and 15 g kg-1 Sel-Plex feed for 8 weeks. Growth performance, hematological parameters, total immunoglobulin, alternative complement activity (ACH50), C3 and C4 levels and lysozyme activity were measured at the end of the experiment. No significant differences have been observed (p>0.05) in weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and condition factors (CF) in the fish fed with different concentrations of Sel-Plex supplement when compared with the control group. The results showed that administration of 10 g Sel-Plex in this fish significantly increased erythrocyte, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit value, leukocytes, and lymphocytes counts. However, neutrophils of fish administrated with 10 and 15 g dietary Sel-Plex significantly decreased. The results revealed that Sel-Plex significantly increased total immunoglobulin, ACH50, C3, and lysozyme activities in the supplemented groups compared with the control. Plasma C4 levels in the fish fed with 5 and 15 g Sel-Plex were significantly higher than the control fish. The results of this study suggest that dietary Sel-Plex supplement at levels ≤15 g kg-1 diet increased some hematological indices and improved the innate immune parameters of the Siberian Sturgeon, without affecting their growth performance.

Essential and non-essential trace elements in fish consumed by indigenous peoples of the European Russian Arctic

In present study, the analyses of essential [copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn)] and non-essential elements [mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As)] in 7 fish species consumed by the indigenous people of the European Russia Arctic were conducted. The Nenets Autonomous Region, which is located in the north-eastern part of European Russia, was chosen as a Region of interest. Within it, the Nenets indigenous group (n = 6000) constitutes approximately 10% of the total population. Nearly all of the Nenets live a traditional life with fish caught in the local waters as a subsistence resource.We found that northern pike contained twice the amount of Hg compared with roach, and 3–4 times more than other fish species commonly consumed in the Russian Arctic (namely, Arctic char, pink salmon, navaga, humpback whitefish and inconnu). Fish Hg concentrations were relatively low, but comparable to those reported in other investigations that illustrate a decreasing south-to-north trend in fish Hg concentrations. In the current study, northern pike is the only species for which Hg bioaccumulated significantly. In all fish species, both Cd and Pb were present in considerably lower concentrations than Hg. The total As concentrations observed are similar to those previously published, and it is assumed to be present primarily in non-toxic organic forms. All fish tissues were rich in the essential elements Se, Cu and Zn and, dependent on the amount fish consumed, may contribute significantly to the nutritional intake by indigenous Arctic peoples. We observed large significant differences in the molar Se/Hg ratios, which ranged from 2.3 for northern pike to 71.1 for pink salmon. Values of the latter <1 may increase the toxic potential of Hg, while those >1 appear to enhance the protection against Hg toxicity.

Comparison of elemental composition in two wild and cultured marine fish and potential risks to human health

Among all available species, fish are a powerful model for risk-benefit assessments to study the effects of contaminants on human health. Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata, Linnaeus 1758) and european seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax, Linnaeus 1758) are two species of great economic importance, representing very large production volumes in the Mediterranean. The objective of this study is (1) to analyze the concentrations of Trace Elements (TE) between wild and cultured seabream and seabass specimens, (2) to compare the determined concentrations with other studies, and (3) to increase the data about the potential risks to human health. Our results point to significant intra- and interspecies-specific differences between wild and cultured fish for several trace elements. Several strong and moderate inter-elemental correlations in fish muscle were observed through correlation analysis. In our study, the mean levels of trace elements were still below the standard safety values for fish intended for human consumption. The same results were reached for all the parameters analyzed (international legal limits, estimated weekly intake, provisional tolerable weekly intake, target hazard quotient, target cancer risk), with trace element levels in fish below those that could pose a risk to human health. Consequently, these fish can be considered safe for human consumption. A better understanding of the levels of trace elements in fish would also better inform consumers about the potential risks of exposure to contaminants.

Overview of trace element trophic transfer in fish through the concept of assimilation efficiency

Fish bioaccumulate trace elements both from the surrounding water (across the gills) and through diet (via the gastrointestinal tract), with diet generally being the major contributor. A laboratory-based approach is currently the most appropriate way to precisely quantify the trophic transfer of trace elements in fish, and assimilation efficiency (AE) of trace elements from ingested food is a commonly determined parameter. However, there are still some discrepancies in the literature regarding the definition and the determination of AE in aquatic organisms and especially in fish. In this paper, we review the literature to provide a consolidated definition of the concept of AE as well as a description of the methods and protocols used to quantify the AE of trace elements. We also review the main studies of trace element AE in fish. Most studies reporting AE considered the effects of biotic factors, especially the influence of the quality of food, whereas abiotic factors have received less attention, although they affect fish physiology and, by extension, potentially affect the AE of trace elements. The need for further studies is thus noted, especially the influence of abiotic factors such as temperature, salinity or pH on trace element AE or in the context of the co-occurrence of multiple stressors; this will help us to better understand the trophic transfer of trace elements and thus their overall bioaccumulation in fish.

Presence of trace metals in aquaculture marine ecosystems of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea (Italy)

Information regarding chemical pollutant levels in farmed fish and shellfish, along with the risks associated with their consumption is still scarce. This study was designed to assess levels of exposure to 21 trace elements in fish (Dicentrarchus labrax), mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and oysters (Crassostrea gigas) collected from aquaculture marine ecosystems of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Metal concentrations showed great variability in the three species; the highest values of the nonessential elements As and Cd were found in oysters while the highest levels of Al, Pb and V were found in mussels. The essential elements Cu, Mn and Zn were highest in oysters, but Fe, Cr, Ni, Se, Co and Mo levels were highest in mussels. Fish had the lowest concentrations for all trace elements, which were at least one order of magnitude lower than in bivalves. The rare earth elements cerium and lanthanum were found at higher levels in mussels than in oysters, but undetectable in fish. The maximum values set by European regulations for Hg, Cd and Pb were never exceeded in the examined samples. However, comparing the estimated human daily intakes (EHDIs) with the suggested tolerable copper and zinc intakes suggested a potential risk for frequent consumers of oysters. Similarly, people who consume high quantities of mussels could be exposed to concentrations of Al that exceed the proposed TWI (tolerable weekly intake).

Monitoring of trace metals, biochemical composition and growth of Axillary seabream (Pagellus acarne Risso, 1827) in offshore Copper alloy net cage

The study was conducted to assess trace metal contents, biochemical composition and growth performance of axillary seabream (Pagellus acarne Risso, 1827) cultured in a copper alloy mesh cage. A total of 400 axillary seabream (initial mean weight: 176.0±14.0 g), a new candidate species for the Mediterranean aquaculture, were stocked into a high-density polyethylene frame gravity cage and fed a commercial seabream diet for a period of 6 months. At the end of the feeding trial, fish reached a final weight of 264.8±16.8 g with a weight increase of 88.8 g and a feed conversion rate of 2.51. Overall, relative growth rate, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio were satisfactory and comparable to the pelagic fishes such as gilthead seabream or European seabass, which are presently the main fish species for the Mediterranean aquaculture industry. Trace elements in fish grown in copper alloy net cages over a 6-month period showed satisfactory results, as the metal concentrations in fish tissues such as liver, skin, muscle and gills were below the reported upper limits for human consumption, indicating that copper alloy net is an acceptable and safe material for finfish cage aquaculture. Furthermore, from the growth performance data obtained in the present study, it can be concluded that axillary seabream showed potential for cage farming, and thus is a promising new candidate for the Mediterranean aquaculture industry.

Presence of trace elements in fishes from the Chaco-Pampeana plain (Argentina)

The Chaco-Pampean plain is one of the greatest plains worldwide; present a wetland macro system (lagoons, marshes, rivers, streams, channels). The water quality of these environments is diverse and has different trace elements natural (As, F, Mo and V) and anthropogenic (Cr, Cu and Pb). The Chaco Pampean plain has an important diversity of fish species however the species of commercial importance are limited. This paper presents the reviews of the studies related to the presence of trace elements in tissues of commercial fishes (shad Prochilodus lineatus and silversides Odontesthes bonariensis ) in the Chaco-Pampean plain in recent decades and a discussion about associated information gaps is presented. The presence of trace elements in commercial fish muscle is a major problem for food security. The results showed that most of the elements present in shad are in lower levels than the maximum limits set by the Argentine Food Code (CAA, 2014). In the case of Pb present in the muscle of the shad, the determined values exceed those considered by the European Food Safety Authority. In the case of silversides the values of As, Pb, Hg are mostly lower than those maximum recommended by the Argentine Food Code. However, according to the European Food Safety Authority, the lower limit on the benchmark dose for a 10% response (BMDL) values associated with health risk for As.

Arsenic and other trace elements in two catfish species from Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, Paraná, Brazil

Concentrations of arsenic and four additional trace elements (Cu, Cr, Ni, and Zn) were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry in the muscular tissue of the yellow catfish (Cathorops spixii) and the urutu catfish (Genidens genidens) from Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, Brazil (PEC). The PEC can be characterized by an environment of high ecological and economic importance in which preserved areas of rainforest and mangroves coexist with urban activities as ports and industries. The average concentrations (in milligram per kilogram dry weight) of elements in the muscle tissue of C. spixii are as follows: Zn (31), As (17), Cu (1.17), Cr (0.62), and Ni (0.28). Similar concentrations could be found in G. genidens with exception of As: Zn (36), As (4.78), Cu (1.14), Cr (0.51), and Ni (0.14). Fish from the geographic northern rural region (Guaraqueçaba-Benito) display higher As concentrations in the muscle tissues than fish found in the south-western (urban) part of the PEC. An international comparison of muscle tissue concentrations of trace elements in fish was made. Except for Ni in C. spixii, a tendency of decrease in element concentration with increasing size (age) of the fish could be observed. According to the National Health Surveillance Agency of Brazil, levels of Cr and As exceeded the permissible limits for seafood. An estimation of the provisional tolerable weekly intake of As was calculated with 109% for C. spixii and with 29% for G. genidens.

Trace elements in fish from Taihu Lake, China: Levels, associated risks, and trophic transfer

Concentrations of eight trace elements [iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As)] were measured in a total of 198 samples covering 24 fish species collected from Taihu Lake, China, in September 2009. The trace elements were detected in all samples, and the total mean concentrations ranged from 18.2 to 215.8μg/gdw (dry weight). The concentrations of the trace elements followed the sequence of Zn>Fe>Mn>Cr>As>Hg>Pb>Cd. The measured trace element concentrations in fish from Taihu Lake were similar to or lower than the reported values in fish around the world. The metal pollution index was used to compare the total trace element accumulation levels among various species. Toxabramis swinhonis (1.606) accumulated the highest level of the total trace elements, and Saurogobio dabryi (0.315) contained the lowest. The concentrations of human non-essential trace elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, and As) were lower than the allowable maximum levels in fish in China and the European Union. The relationships between the trace element concentrations and the δ15N values of fish species were used to investigate the trophic transfer potential of the trace elements. Of the trace elements, Hg might be biomagnified through the food chain in Taihu Lake if the significant level of p-value was set at 0.1. No biomagnification and biodilution were observed for other trace elements.

Differential accumulation of trace elements in ventral and dorsal muscle tissues in tilapia and milkfish with different feeding habits from the same cultured fishery pond

There were many studies that reported the concentrations of trace elements in fish and assessed the human health risk through consumption of contaminated fish. However, fish species with different feeding habits may accumulate toxic elements differentially in their muscle. In this study, we conducted a field survey to analyze concentrations of ten trace elements in water, sediment, artificial feed, and different part of muscles either with or without skin of two species of fish, tilapia and milkfish. The results of this study showed that the ventral and dorsal muscles with skin contained higher concentrations of metals than those without skin for both species of fish. Tilapia lives in the bottom layer, the ventral part therefore contacts closely with sediment. A higher metal concentration in ventral muscle was obtained in this study when compared to dorsal muscle for tilapia. The estimated Metal Pollution Index (MPI) of tilapia is higher than that of milkfish. Our results indicated that metal concentrations in muscle of tilapia are mainly originated from sediment. However, sources of metal concentrations in muscle of milkfish can be from sediment and artificial feed.

Content of selected elements in the muscle tissue of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and garfish (Belone belone) from the baltic sea

Fish are an important component of a balanced human diet. Marine fish are more popular than freshwater fish among Polish consumers. All fish are an excellent source of minerals, which the human body cannot synthesize. Hence, they should be provided with food in right amounts and proportions. However, fish can be contaminated by heavy metals. For this reason, it is very important to determine the levels of selected trace elements in fish. The aim of this study was to compare the content of mineral compounds in the muscle tissue of two species of fish from the Baltic Sea, i.e. plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and garfish (Belone belone). Wet-digested fish muscle samples were used to analyze the content of macro(K, Na, Ca, Mg), and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu) determined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and the levels of heavy metals (Cd, Pb) using flameless AAS. No significant differences between the species in the concentrations of K, Mg, Ca, Cu and heavy metals appeared, while the Na, Mn, Zn and Fe concentrations were significantly different between the two fish. Higher levels of Na, Mg, Mn and heavy metals were determined in muscle tissue of European plaice, while concentrations of the other macroand micronutrients were higher in muscles of garfish. The muscles of both species showed equal levels of Cd and Pb, below the maximum allowable limits.