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EFSA panel on contaminants in the food chain (CONTAM). Scientific opinion on lead in food
... According to the EFSA, it is estimated that dietary exposure to inorganic As in children is around 2 to 3 times higher than in adults due to various factors, including hand-to-mouth behavior and consuming more food per kg body weight per day (kg.bw/day) compared to the adult population [7]. ...
... Like As, Cd has rice and wheat as the leading oral deliverers of contamination in the human diet. Rice, along with other cereals, legumes, and meat products, is the basis of Brazilians' meals and one of the primary sources of exposure to Cd [7,13,41]. Many of the samples collected in the schools for this study contained rice in their composition, such as rice pudding and rice with meat or chicken, as depicted in Figure 2. ...
Background: School meals represent a significant supply of nutrients for children in Brazil, especially those in conditions of social vulnerability. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in meals served in public elementary schools in four municipalities in the state of Bahia, Brazil, and assess the risk posed to children’s health. Methods: Ninety-six samples were collected from 16 schools, freeze-dried, and subjected to microwave-assisted digestion. The As, Cd, and Pb levels were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The risk assessment was based on calculating each element’s hazard quotient (HQ). Results: None of the samples reached or exceeded the tolerable levels for the elements analyzed. Pb was the metal that obtained the most significant result, reaching maximum levels of 39–157 µg·kg−1. Conclusions: No element exceeded the PTWI proposed by JECFA; thus, the toxic metal content in school meals poses a negligible risk to children’s health.
... From the HQs based on ADD total (Fig 2 a+c), it is clear that the metals that urban vegetable consumers run the greatest risk of ingesting in harmful amounts are Pb, Cd and As, in that order. This is consistent with the previous literature, which shows that vegetable consumption often results in ADDs above safe levels for these three metals (EFSA., 2009a;EFSA., 2009b;EFSA., 2010). However, as shown in the "% via PA" row at the bottom of Fig. 2, the adhering material constitutes only 0.5-0.9% of the total ADD for Cd, while 39-52% for Pb. ...
... Tolerable daily intake (TDIs) values via oral exposure for non-cancer effects. The values for As, Cd, Ni and Pb are retrieved from the European Food Safety Authority(EFSA., 2009a;EFSA., 2009b;EFSA., 2010;EFSA., 2015). For Ba, Cr and Sb, the TDIs are from the US EPA IRIS database, and for Co, Cu and Zn they come from the Dutch National Institute of Public Health and the Environment,RIVM (Baars et al., 2001;Tiesjema and Baars, 2009). ...
While urban-grown vegetables could help combat future food insecurity, the elevated levels of toxic metals in urban soils need to be met with measures that minimise transfer to crops. The study firstly examines soil/dust particle inclusion in leafy vegetables and its contribution to vegetable metals (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn), using vegetable, soil and dust data from an open-field urban farm in southeastern Sweden. Titanium concentrations were used to assess soil/dust adherence. Results showed that vegetables contained 0.05-1.3 wt% of adhering particles (AP) even after washing. With 0.5 % AP, an adult with an average intake of vegetables could ingest approximately 100 mg of particles per day, highlighting leafy vegetables as a major route for soil/dust ingestion. The presence of adhering particles also significantly contributed to the vegetable concentrations of As (9-20 %), Co (17-20 %), Pb (25-29 %), and Cr (33-34 %). Secondly, data from an indoor experiment was used to characterise root metal uptake from 20 urban soils from Sweden, Denmark, Spain, the UK, and the Czech Republic. Combining particle adherence and root uptake data, vegetable metal concentrations were calculated for the 20 urban soils to represent hypothetical field scenarios for these. Subsequently, average daily doses were assessed for vegetable consumers (adults and 3-6 year old children), distinguishing between doses from adhering particles and root uptake. Risks were evaluated from hazard quotients (HQs; average daily doses/tolerable intakes). Lead was found to pose the greatest risk, where particle ingestion often resulted in HQs > 1 across all assessed scenarios. In summary, since washing was shown to remove only a portion of adhering metal-laden soil/dust particles from leafy vegetation, farmers and urban planners need to consider that measures to limit particle deposition are equally important as cultivating in uncontaminated soil.
... The European Commission (EC), as well as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), regularly update on the maximum allowed level of specific contaminants as well as tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for safe consumption (EC, 2006(EC, , 2011EFSA, 2009EFSA, , 2012EFSA, , 2014. The results obtained from section 2.6.1 and 2.6.2 were further used to evaluate whether these values exceed human intake recommendations set by the EC (EC, 2006(EC, , 2011. ...
... The results obtained from section 2.6.1 and 2.6.2 were further used to evaluate whether these values exceed human intake recommendations set by the EC (EC, 2006(EC, , 2011. Furthermore, benchmark values for TWI of specific contaminants specified by the EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel) were considered (EFSA, 2009(EFSA, , 2012. To determine the effect of the analysed components on a healthy adult, a person with 60 kg body weight was chosen as standard for all calculations as previously suggested by FAO/WHO (2011). ...
The seasonal effect on chemical composition and contaminants in European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) captured in Norwegian waters was investigated in three seasons (September, December, April). Fillets were compared by analysing proximate composition, lipid and protein profile, including fatty acids, lipid class distribution, free and total amino acids. Trace elements and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) were determined to assess the potential health risk of consumption. Results on proximate composition reveal differences in water, ash, lipid, and protein content between the seasons. Beneficial levels of n3 fatty acids, including a sufficient n3/n6 ratio (6.1-8.7), were observed. Phospholipids and cholesterol were negatively correlated with total lipid content, adding to high triacylglycerol concentrations observed in December samples. No elevated levels for toxic trace elements, yet detrimental concentrations of dioxin-like PCB-118 were found. Results show that European plaice is highly nutritious with desirable amino and fatty acid profile throughout the year, and with few potential risks.
... It has negative effects on the functioning of most body systems in vertebrates. Once absorbed, largely through the gut or lungs after ingestion or Science of the Total Environment xxx (xxxx) xxx inhalation, it passes into the bloodstream where its concentration then remains elevated for days or weeks, depending upon the intensity and duration of exposure (EFSA, 2010). From the blood, lead is transferred to soft tissues, especially the liver and kidney, and to bone. ...
... Lead occurs naturally in the environment, primarily in inorganic form, but its widespread distribution in the biosphere and the occurrence of elevated concentrations in the tissues of humans and animals mainly result from a long history of use by humans (Hernberg, 2000). As a result of the risks that lead poses to human health, most of its uses are now strongly regulated in Europe (EFSA, 2010) and most other developed countries. However, one of the remaining uses of lead with little or no regulation is the manufacture of ammunition projectiles (shotgun pellets, slugs, and rifle bullets). ...
Poisoning caused by ingestion of spent lead (Pb) ammunition in food items is a common cause of death of raptors. However, there has been no previous attempt to assess the impact of lead poisoning on populations of raptors throughout Europe or examine how this relates to the prevalence of hunting. We used measurements of lead concentration in the liver from over 3000 raptors of 22 species found dead or dying in the wild in 13 countries and a lead poisoning threshold of 20 ppm (dry weight) to assess the proportion of these in which lead poisoning caused or contributed to death. The prevalence of lead poisoning as a cause of death of raptors varied substantially among European countries and was positively correlated across countries with the reported number of hunters per unit area. Ten species had a non-zero proportion of individuals with concentrations exceeding the lead poisoning threshold ranging between 0.3% and 16.5%. The estimated annual conditional death rate from lead poisoning for these ten species averaged 0.44% (range 0.06–0.85%). Scavenging species feeding regularly on carcasses of game animals,tended to have a high annual probability of death from lead poisoning. So too did some predators which only sometimes scavenge, but prey on frequently hunted birds, such as gamebirds, waterfowl and pigeons, which may contain ingested or embedded lead shot. Small-bodied predators had a low annual probability of death from lead poisoning. Modelling indicated that European populations of adult raptors of the ten focal species averaged 6.0% smaller (range 0.2–14.4%) than they would be without the effects of lead poisoning. A given rate of lead poisoning mortality resulted in greater expected population reductions for species with high annual survival rate and late age at first breeding.
... El Pb que se acumula en el suelo y en las plantas se origina principalmente en partículas finas emitidas por la industria minero-metalúrgica, gases de escape de motores de combustión interna y tiene efecto tóxico en plantas, animales y humanos, incluso a bajas concentraciones. La toxicidad de Pb se asocia con problemas hematológicos, neurotóxicos, nefrotóxicos y disminución de la capacidad de aprendizaje, incluso a bajas concentraciones (EFSA, 2010;JECFA, 2011;EFSA, 2012;Rehman et al., 2018). Este metal se acumula principalmente en los huesos y dientes, permaneciendo hasta 3 décadas y su liberación es más fácil durante el embarazo y lactancia, afectando el desarrollo fetal, siendo también especialmente nocivo para el desarrollo neuro cerebral de los niños de corta edad. ...
La nutrición animal no puede seguir teniendo una finalidad meramente productivista, debe cuidar el bienestar de los animales y su salud, garantizando la obtención de productos seguros y de calidad para el consumidor final, aplicando conceptos no solo bioquímicos y fisiológicos sino de salud preventiva, asegurando la sostenibilidad de los sistemas de producción y minimizando los impactos de la nutrición sobre el medio ambiente. La sociedad demanda el establecimiento de sistemas de producción que sean seguros, que garanticen el bienestar animal y que no dañen el medio ambiente, implementando procesos de economía circular. Para esto es importante que el profesional pecuario, especialmente el responsable de la nutrición y alimentación, conozca las interacciones nutrición-salud, nutrición-genética y nutrición-polución y las integre en la aplicación de estrategias y programas de alimentación que maximicen el rendimiento productivo y minimicen el impacto de la producción animal sobre el medio ambiente; y lo que es más importante, ofrecer al consumidor un producto de calidad, adecuadamente obtenido para la satisfacción de los mismos.
... According to EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel) the Pb current tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 25 μg kg-bw -1 is no longer appropriate as there is no evidence for a threshold for critical lead-induced effects and confirmed by Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) as well. Therefore, the following benchmark dose lower confidence limits (BMDLs) for lead (Pb) [16]: ...
The increase in toxic metal (TM) contamination in crude palm oil (CPO) due to anthropogenic activities, method of processing and handling makes it necessary to assess the contents of metals of toxicological interest to ensure safety. The contents of TMs [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and arsenic (As)] were quantified in CPO samples locally produced from six selected states in Niger Delta, Nigeria using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The TM contents and dietary intakes were compared with permitted limits of international agencies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The TM contents exceeded the permissible limits of JECFA with Cr in Akwa Ibom State samples (3.08 mg kg-1) being the highest. The dietary monthly intake of Cd for consumption of 25 g day-1 of CPO for adults and children were 40.36 µg kg-bw-1 month-1 (161%) and 91.6 µg kg-bw-1 month-1 (366%), respectively. The margin of exposure (MOE) values of Pb due to consumption of CPO ranged from 1.39 to 3.83 (nephrotoxic effects) and 3.32 to 9.12 (cardiotoxic effects) for adults, and 0.49 to 1.34 (neurotoxic effect), 0.61 to 1.69 (nephrotoxic effects) and 0.61 to 4.01 (cardiotoxic effects) for children. Furthermore, MOE values of inorganic arsenic (iAs) for carcinogenic effects due to consumption of CPO for adults and children ranged from 0.32 to 26.53 and 0.14 to 11.69, respectively. The results highlight the necessity to set up monitoring program for TMs in CPO to reduce exposure level.
... It could not identify a lower threshold for Pb-induced effects and deemed the prevailing PTWI to be inappropriate. Thus, it is crucial to keep exposure from all Pb sources as low as possible (EFSA, 2010). The European ML of Pb is 0.3 mg per kg WW fish muscle for most fish species but much higher, 1.5 mg per kg WW, for mollusks (EC, 2006b). ...
Food agencies recommend increasing the consumption of aquatic food to promote healthy living and sustainability, and, particularly, to prevent Western lifestyle-related diseases and secure sustainable food systems. This requires growth in global seafood production, and the utilization of low trophic species (LTS) is suggested. LTS are already considered nutritious and important in Asian and Pacific diets. As the use of LTS is expanding in Western diets, producers and consumers need information on the food safety practices associated with them and their nutritional content. LTS are mainly immobile or slow-moving extractive species or organisms that feed on such, and their nutrient and contaminant content varies by species and location. Species-specific knowledge on nutritional contents and safe consumption limits is often missing, making the monitoring and analysis of contaminants, nutrients, and consumption data crucial to guiding the utilization and consumption of LTS. Using global and regional standards regarding nutrients, food hazards, and labeling, this review highlights the appropriate guidelines and regulations for guiding the utilization of selected novel species and also identifies knowledge gaps.
... µg/kg b.w. per day (EFSA, 2011). For lead, the benchmark dose level (BMDL10) of 0.63 μg/kg b.w. per day is considered as health-based guidance value (HBGV), since EFSA concluded that the current provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of 25 μg/kg b.w. is no longer appropriate, as there is no evidence for a threshold for critical lead-induced effects (EFSA, 2010). ...
... The B-Cd in the presently studied children is generally low, but because of the long-term accumulation of Cd in the body, this exposure may still lead to risks of kidney and bone effects later in life, in particular in females in contaminated areas [1,7,32]. Possibly, these exposure levels can also affect cognitive development [6]. ...
Objectives:
The authors aimed to evaluate whether blood cadmium (B-Cd), lead (B-Pb) and mercury (B-Hg) in children differ regionally in 9 countries, and to identify factors correlating with exposure.
Material and methods:
The authors performed a cross-sectional study of children aged 7-14 years, living in 2007-2008 in urban, rural, or potentially polluted ("hot spot") areas (ca. 50 children from each area, in total 1363 children) in 6 European and 3 non-European countries. The authors analyzed Cd, Pb, and total Hg in blood and collected information on potential determinants of exposure through questionnaires. Regional differences in exposure levels were assessed within each country.
Results:
Children living near industrial "hot-spots" had B-Cd 1.6 (95% CI: 1.4-1.9) times higher in the Czech Republic and 2.1 (95% CI:1.6-2.8) times higher in Poland, as compared to urban children in the same countries (geometric means [GM]: 0.13 μg/l and 0.15 μg/l, respectively). Correspondingly, B-Pb in the "hot spot" areas was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.6-2.1) times higher than in urban areas in Slovakia and 2.3 (95% CI: 1.9-2.7) times higher in Poland (urban GM: 19.4 μg/l and 16.3 μg/l, respectively). In China and Morocco, rural children had significantly lower B-Pb than urban ones (urban GM: 64 μg/l and 71 μg/l, respectively), suggesting urban exposure from leaded petrol, water pipes and/or coal-burning. Hg "hot spot" areas in China had B-Hg 3.1 (95% CI: 2.7-3.5) times higher, and Ecuador 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2-1.9) times higher, as compared to urban areas (urban GM: 2.45 μg/l and 3.23 μg/l, respectively). Besides industrial exposure, traffic correlated with B-Cd; male sex, environmental tobacco smoke, and offal consumption with B-Pb; and fish consumption and amalgam fillings with B-Hg. However, these correlations could only marginally explain regional differences.
Conclusions:
These mainly European results indicate that some children experience about doubled exposures to toxic elements just because of where they live. These exposures are unsafe, identifiable, and preventable and therefore call for preventive actions. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(3):349-64.
... The provisional tolerable weekly intake (PRWI) for particular elements is officially established by the European Food Safety Agency [56]. It means the acceptable concentration of some toxic or biologically active elements that can be consumed on a weekly basis. ...
The aim of this study was to determinate the content of some elements in a specific dairy product, mozzarella, in a particular area of western Slovakia and to evaluate the estimation of the risk to the consumers based on the contribution to the provisional tolerable weekly intake. The consumption of mozzarella can contribute to the intake of important elements in the diet, such as calcium and magnesium, along with others. The contents of some toxic and trace elements were low and have not exceeded the permitted limit. In addition, the contribution to PTWI was found to be very low, which means that the consumption of mozzarella possesses no risk to humans. It is concluded that the data obtained in this study can help as a valuable addition to methodological and scientific material in the field of food safety of dairy products and their positive impact on human health.
... Los alimentos considerados más susceptibles de ser contaminados por hongos con la consecuente producción de AFs son: las nueces de Brasil, los cacahuates, los pistachos, las avellanas, las semillas de algodón, la pulpa seca de coco (copra), las semillas oleaginosas como las de girasol y la soya, los aceites vegetales sin refinar, los frutos secos como las almendras, los higos, las pasas y las nueces, las especias como el pimentón, el chile, la pimienta, el café y el cacao, los cereales como el sorgo, el maíz, el arroz, el trigo y los derivados de estos productos, raíces y tubérculos y otros alimentos, así como los piensos para el ganado (Martínez, Vargas & Gómez, 2013;EFSA, 2020;Mollay et al., 2022). ...
Las aflatoxinas (AFs), son contaminantes naturales de los productos agrícolas y de otros alimentos, producidas por los hongos filamentosos Aspergillus flavus y A. parasiticus. Las condiciones ambientales cálidas y húmedas favorecen su desarrollo y producción. Las AFs ingresan al organismo por la ingesta de alimentos contaminados o indirectamente por el consumo de productos como leche, carne y huevos, entre otros, derivados de animales expuestos a una alimentación que contiene AFs. Son estables a temperaturas superiores a los 100 °C, tienen poca o nula descomposición durante los procesos de pasteurización, tostado y horneado. Poseen un importante potencial cancerígeno, mutagénico y teratogénico, que afecta a la salud humana y a la animal y son consideradas tóxicas y letales. Se clasifican como AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 y AFG2. Una vez ingeridas se inicia su metabolismo en el hígado, donde se produce un metabolito altamente reactivo, la AFB1-exo-8,9 epóxido (AFBO), responsable de la toxicidad aguda o crónica en el organismo, además de los metabolitos hidroxilados, AFM1 y AFM2, que se eliminan a través de la leche humana y la de los animales. Las AFs causan principalmente un daño hepático y la aparición de tumores. Este artículo aborda el tema de las AFs desde su composición química, clasificación, mecanismos de toxicidad, alimentos contaminados y daños a la salud humana y a la animal; destacando la necesidad de establecer regulaciones homologadas entre los países, para garantizar el cultivo, la importación y la exportación de los alimentos y los granos libres de AFs, seguros para el consumo humano y animal.
... In contrast to other metals, the majority of arsenic consists of the nontoxic organic form (Arsenobetaine) (Castro-González & Méndez-Armenta 2008). Thus, for calculating the risk factors of As, its inorganic toxic form was assumed to be 3 % of the total concentration (Andaloro et al., 2012;EFSA, 2009;Kosker, 2020). In EWI calculations, CM defines the yearly average concentration of metal (µg / g) in muscle tissue, IR defines 1-, 3and 5-day / person / week consumption rates (FAO, 2017) and BW defines consumer body weight. ...
Pangasius hypophthalmus (panga fish) is farmed in the Mekong River (Vietnam), which is known as a polluted river, and exported to many countries. The present study aimed to determine heavy metal levels in frozen panga fillets imported from Vietnam as well as the risks of heavy metals to human health. Panga fillets belonging to four brands were bought from three supermarkets in Adana city, Turkey, and heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Ni, Cu, Mn and Co) were analyzed. To analyze the potential risks to human health, EWI (estimated weekly intake), THQ (target hazard quotient), and CR (lifetime cancer risk) values were calculated to assess the potential risks to consumer health of the metal content in panga fillets. The health risk assessment values were calculated for children and adults according to the frequency of consumption once, three and seven times a week. The results revealed that the presence of heavy metals in the studied panga fillets was below permissible limits indicated by WHO (World Health Organization), EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) and TKB (Turkish Fisheries Laws and Regulations). The EWI, THQ or ∑ THQ and CR values were below PTWI (provisional tolerable weekly intake), 1 and 10-5, respectively. Remarkably, the highest values of the EWI/PTWI ratio and THQs were found for children.
... Several articles have observed an inversely proportional correlation between Pb exposure and childrens' Intelligence Quotient (IQ). This fact raises important issues for pediatric and nutritional practices, once Pb can be deleterious for infant health (EFSA 2010(EFSA , 2013Pan et al. 2018;Wu et al. 2018). ...
Mothers' food and water consumption appear to be determining factors for infants' potentially toxic elements exposure through human milk. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to assess correlations between As, Cd, Hg, Pb and/or Sn concentration in human milk and breastfeeding mothers' food consumption, with later infants' health risk assessment. Estimated Daily Intakes of such elements by infants were also calculated and compared with reference values (RfD or BMDL01). Among 5.663 identified studies, 23 papers remained for analysis. Potentially toxic elements concentration in human milk presented positive correlation with seafood (As, Hg), fresh vegetables (Hg, Cd), cereals (Hg, Cd), cheese, rice, potatoes, private and well-water supply (Pb), wild meat (Pb, Cd) and milk, dairy products, dried fruits and oilseeds (Cd) mothers' consumption. Red meat, caffeinated drinks, and dairy products consume presented negative correlations (Pb). No correlations were found for Sn. Infants from three studies presented high Hg exposition through human milk (> 0. 1 μg/kg PC-1 day-1), as well as observed for Pb in one study (> 0. 5 μg/kg PC-1 day-1). Potentially toxic elements can damage infants' health when they are present in mothers' diet due to the infants' high vulnerability. Therefore, these results raise important issues for public health.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2056869 .
In order to minimise food waste, side streams from feed and food production are increasingly being (re-) used in food supply chains. Such reuse contributes to the desire to implement circularity in food and agricultural systems. However, the reuse of side products in circular food systems may impact food safety, for instance, contaminant residues present at low levels in biomass may accumulate when reusing streams. In order to assess potential food safety issues related to circular food systems, a framework has been developed in this study. Based on this framework, appropriate actions can be taken to prevent from human health risks. The framework consists of three steps: 1. Describing the changes in the food supply chain as a result of the circularity transition; 2. Identifying potential food safety hazards related to the change; and 3. Prioritising food safety hazards related to the circularity transition. For the prioritisation, both the presence of the hazards in final foods and the effects of the hazards on human health need to be assessed. Persistence of the hazard in the environment and potential transfer from the environment to the final food product are relevant elements to include. The framework was tested in three case studies, showing that it allows for a prioritisation between hazards. Based on the case study results, circularity not so much influences the health effects of the hazards, but rather their presence depending on the persistence and transfer of food safety hazards in a circular system.
Manzala Lake was sampled to assess the concentrations and possible ecological risks of heavy metals. The mean heavy metal levels in the muscles of Nile tilapia, Flathead grey mullets and African catfish were 0.01, 0.15 and 0.29 mg/kg, respectively, for mercury; 3.16, 4.25 and 4.74 mg/kg for arsenic; 1.01, 0.87 and 0.95 mg/kg for lead; and 0.05, 0.12 and 0.06 mg/kg for cadmium. The levels of heavy metals exceeded their maximum permissible limits in most samples. The EDIs of some metals were higher than their PTDIs or BMDLs. The THQs and TTHQs from metal intake were >1 for Hg and Cd. In addition, the TCR values of As in all fish species were higher than 1.0 × 10−4 indicating a potential health risks from consumption of fish species which need strict hygienic procedures to prevent fish contamination with heavy metals and ensure that their levels did not exceed the maximum permissible limits.
This study investigated lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) transfer in three dairy farming areas in the Mantaro river headwaters in the central Peruvian Andes and at varying distances from the mining complex at La Oroya. At each of these sites, the transfer of trace metals from the soil to raw milk was estimated, and a hazard assessment for lead and cadmium was carried out in scenarios of minimum, average, and maximum milk consumption in a Peruvian population aged 2–85. Pb and Cd were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Significantly, the concentrations of lead and cadmium were found to exceed the maximum limits recommended by the World Health Organization, with a positive geospatial trend correlated with the distance from mining activity. Both Pb and Cd were found to be transferred through the soil–pasture–milk pathway, with the primary source of Cd being phosphate-based fertilizers used in pasture improvement. Pb was found to be the most significant contributor to the Hazard Index (HI) with those under 19 years of age and over 60 recording an HI of >1, with infants being the most vulnerable group due to their greater milk consumption in relation to their body weight. A marginal increase in contamination was observed in the dry season, indicating the need for studies to be expanded over several annual cycles.
Fillets from a total of 1245 Northeast Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) sampled in different fishing areas of the Northeast Atlantic during 2007–2016 were analysed for mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead using ICPMS. Mercury levels varied from <0.01 to 0.36 mg/kg wet weight (ww) with a total mean of 0.046 mg/kg ww and were significantly higher in Skagerrak than in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and west of Scotland. Cadmium concentrations varied from <0.002 to 0.16 mg/kg ww with a mean value of 0.015 mg/kg ww. Only 0.24 % and 0.16 % of the sampled fish exceeded the EU's maximum levels for cadmium and mercury, respectively. Arsenic levels varied between 0.43 and 6.9 mg/kg ww with a mean value of 2.2 mg/kg ww and showed seasonal
variation following variations in fat content. Lead concentrations were low and below the analytical limit of quantification (LOQ) in 97 % of the samples.
The focus of this chapter are on radon, the substance with the highest carcinogenic potential indoors, and metals (especially heavy metals). They are presented individually in detail. In addition to a brief description of the chemical–physical characteristics and the use of the substance, an overview of main health risks and, in particular, references to further scientific literature are given. In the foreground, however, are extensive presentations of the occurrence of the substances in indoor air and in sedimented dust.
Milk and its derivatives are basic foods in Peru, especially for children. The Junín region, in the central Andes, is one of the leading dairy basins. However, the safety of milk is affected by mining–metallurgical activities, wastewater dumping, organic residues, and inappropriate use of organophosphate fertilizers in agriculture whose contaminants reach the food chain, putting human health at risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioaccumulation of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in milk produced on a representative farm in central Peru, which uses phosphorous agrochemicals and is adjacent to a small mineral concentrator and a municipal solid waste dump, and to evaluate the potential risk for the Peruvian population of 2–85 years considering three levels of daily intake by age, which constitutes the innovative contribution of the study. These three elements were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry following standardized procedures. The mean contents of Pb (0.062 mg/kg), Cd (0.014 mg/kg), and As (0.030 mg/kg) in milk exceeded the maximum limits allowed by international standards. At all ages, the target quotient hazard followed a descending order of As > Pb > Cd, being > 1 in the case of As. The hazard index was >1 for children under 7, 9, and 11 years of age in the scenarios of low, medium, and high milk intake. The information is valid for formulating policies to prevent adverse health effects and develop standards and awareness programs, monitoring, and control of heavy metals in milk in Peru.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of baking and pan-frying methods on the lipid quality and mercury (Hg) levels of two important fish species in Türkiye, namely, fileted sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The results revealed that sardines significantly decreased n-3 fatty acids depending on the cooking process, while the best n-6/n-3 ratio was observed in baked sardines, with higher rates found in pan-fried fish. Notably, pan-fried rainbow trout cooked with butter showed the highest atherogenic index (AI) of 0.71±0.32 and thrombogenic index (TI) of 0.61±1.43, as well as a hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index (HH) of 0.79 ± 0.17. Conversely, fried sardines exhibited lower atherogenic and thrombogenic scores, with fried sardines cooked in sunflower oil having a hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index of 4.85 ± 0.3. There were no significant variations in Hg content between raw and cooked fish. However, when compared to the raw control, the rise in Hg content for baked fish was substantial (p < 0.05) (baked rainbow trout 0.18 mg/kg and sardine 0.29 mg/kg). The decrease in FAs (Fatty Acids) due to cooking methods can be ordered as follows: Raw sardine > baked > fried. Conversely, the increase in FAs due to the cooking methods can be ordered as follows: fried > baked > raw sardine. Baked rainbow trout had much lower levels of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and myristic acid than the raw material. However, these levels were significantly increased in rainbow trout cooked in a frying pan. Additionally, oleic acid levels in fried rainbow trout were detected to be lower than in other preparations, whereas they were equivalent in baked rainbow trout.
The bovine milk quality, safety, and security are of great concern mainly due to the dispersion of toxic substances from various anthropogenic activities and poor practices for organophosphates in agriculture use. This study evaluated the potential risk to human health from lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) from the consumption of milk produced in an area of the Central Andes valley near a mini mineral concentrator by estimating the weekly intake (WI), dietary risk quotient (DRC), hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) for the Peruvian population aged 2 to 85 years, in three scenarios of milk consumption by age (minimum, average, and maximum). Toxic element quantification was performed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry following standardized procedures. The mean amount ± standard deviation of Pb, Cd, and As in soils was 292±60.90, 3.54±1.58, and 5.60±2.20 mg/kg, the order of importance being Pb>As>Cd. The contents of Pb, Cd, and As in pastures were 23.17±10.02, 0.25±0.57, and 0.06±0.09 mg/kg, being from highest to lowest Pb>Cd>As. The means of Pb, Cd, and As content in 19 milk samples were 0.029±0.022, 0.007±0.006, and 0.010±0.004 mg/kg. Pb and Cd exceeded the maximum permissible limits (MPL), and the As was below the MPL. At all ages and milk consumption levels, the WI for Pb and Cd were below the estimated tolerable intake (TWI). The WI for As in < 19 years was higher than the TWI. The DRC for Pb and Cd at all three milk intake levels and all ages was < 1, and for As, it was > 1 in < 19 years, being the risk group. The TQH and HI for Pb and Cd were also > 1, signifying no health risk, and for As, the values were > 1 in < 11 years. Our results are valuable for preventing adverse health impacts from safe and innocuous milk consumption.
Heavy metals, such as cadmium and lead, are ubiquitously present as single substances and compounds in the environment. These substances have various and overlapping health effects. Consumption of contaminated foods is the main pathway of the human exposure, however, estimation of their dietary exposure in combination with health risk analysis, particularly at various endpoints, has rarely been reported. In this study, we integrated relative potency factor (RPF) analysis into the margin of exposure (MOE) model to evaluate the health risk of combined heavy metal (including cadmium, arsenic, lead, chromium, and nickel) exposure in the residents in Guangzhou, China, after quantifying the heavy metals in various food samples and estimating their dietary exposure. The results indicated that rice, rice products and leafy vegetables contributed primarily to the dietary exposure of all metals except arsenic, which exposed the population largely through consumption of sea-foods. With all the five metals contributing to nephro- and neurotoxicity, the 95% confidence limits of MOE for the residents were clearly below 1.0 in the 3∼6-year group, suggesting a recognizable risk to young children. This study provides substantial evidence for the non-negligible health risk in young children due to increased heavy metal exposure,at least on some toxicity targets.
Scallops Aequipecten tehuelchus (Patagonia, Argentina) were exposed to 0, 2, 5 and 12 μg Cd/L for 7 and 14 days, causing in digestive gland a significant production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), induction of catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and metallothioneins (MT) synthesis. In gills, there was inhibition of GST and induction of CAT, MT and α-tocopherol (α-Toc). In muscle, a significant increment of MT was also registered and inhibition of CAT. Lipid peroxidation, measured as TBARS, was not promoted in any tissue. More significant effects were observed in digestive gland than in gills and muscle, evidencing the critical role of digestive gland in Cd accumulation and metabolisation. This research would evidence dose-dependent effects of Cd on MT, GST, CAT and α-Toc in the three organs assayed, as well as a time-dependent effect of Cd on the response of CAT, GST and TBARS in digestive gland.
Lead-based ammunition (gunshot and bullets) frequently leaves small lead fragments embedded in the meat of wild-shot game animals. Australia produces several commercial game meat products from wild animals harvested with lead-based ammunition and has a growing population of recreational hunters. However, no studies have previously investigated the frequency of lead fragments or lead concentrations in Australian game meat. We examined 133 Australian minced game meat items of four types for evidence of lead contamination. Samples were meat from kangaroos (Macropus and Osphranter spp.; n=36) and Bennett's wallabies (Notamacropus rufogriseus; n=28) sold for human consumption, and deer ('venison'; multiple spp.; n=32) and stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis; n=37) harvested for private consumption by recreational hunters. All packages were studied by digital radiography to detect the presence of radio-dense fragments, assumed to be lead fragments from ammunition. Visible fragments were absent in commercially available kangaroo products, but were present in 4%, 28% and 35% of wallaby, venison and quail, respectively. Mean meat lead concentrations (mg/kg wet weight) were 0.01 ± 0.01 for kangaroo, 0.02 ± 0.01 for wallaby, 0.12 ± 0.07 for venison, and 1.76 ± 3.76 for quail. The Australian food standards threshold for livestock meat (0.1 mg/kg w.w.) was not exceeded by any kangaroo or wallaby products but was exceeded by 53% and 86% of venison and quail, respectively. Radiography only detected 35% of samples that were above the food safety threshold. While average lead concentrations in commercially available macropod (kangaroo and wallaby) meat were low, those in recreationally harvested game meat may pose health risks for hunters and associated consumers.
Mining leads to excessive heavy metal contamination of agricultural products in Armenia and can adversely impact human health. We quantify the concentrations of toxic heavy metals (lead, nickel, cadmium, and mercury) in food sampled from local markets of the capital city, Yerevan. We combine these measured concentrations with data from a diet survey of 1,195 people. The results provide an estimate of people’s heavy metal intake in a typical day.The study finds that only dietary exposure to lead raises consumer safety concerns. More than 50 % of the population have daily intakes of lead that exceed the benchmark dose level (BMDL10) of 0.63 μg/kg b.w./day established by European Food Safety Authority. Moreover, risk assessment results indicate that approximately 96 % of the population has dietary exposure values for lead that exceed the threshold level, with animal products as the primary source. The lead exposure observed in sampled population has the potential to increase blood pressure on average by 0.54 mmHg, lower IQ levels by 1.2 point, and reduce lifetime earnings by $5000. The study reveals a strong need to determine the specific pathways by which lead enters the food supply, to mitigate the excess exposures, and to reduce the potential or severity of the resulting adverse health impacts.
Background
Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) can accumulate undesirable substances, including the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) cadmium (Cd), mercury, (Hg), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and As species. In this study, the levels of PTEs and As species were determined in samples of blue mussels to assess the influence of environmental and biological factors, and evaluate the potential risk associated with blue mussels in terms of food and feed safety.
Methodology
Blue mussels were collected monthly in Western Norway from February 2018 to December 2018, and from April 2019 to April 2020. Samples were analyzed for PTEs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ICP-MS. Temperature, salinity and fluorescence (chlorophyll a) were monitored in the seawater column by STD/CTD, to assess the potential influence of these environmental factors on the PTE levels in the mussels.
Results
The results showed seasonal variations in the PTEs, with somewhat higher concentrations in spring and winter months. Unusually high levels of total As (101.2 mg kg⁻¹ dw) and inorganic As (53.6 mg kg⁻¹ dw) were observed for some of the time points. The organic As species arsenobetaine was generally the major As species (17- 82% of total As) in the mussels, but also simple methylated As species and arsenosugars were detected. Principal components analysis (PCA) did not show a consistent relationship between the environmental factors and the PTE concentrations, showing contrary results for some elements for the periods studied. The condition index could explain variations in element concentration with significant correlations for Cd (r = -0.67, p = 0.009) and Pb (r = -0.62, p = 0.02 in 2019/20 and r = -0.52, p = 0.02 in 2018), whereas the correlation between As and CI was not significant (r = 0.12 in 2018, and r = -0.06 in 2019/20). Higher concentrations of iAs and arsenosugars coincided with increased signals of chlorophyll a, suggesting that phytoplankton blooms could be a source of As in the blue mussels.
Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first study of As species in blue mussels collected over a time period of two years, providing an insight into the natural variations of these chemical forms in mussels. In terms of mussel as food and future feed material, concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb were below the maximum levels (MLs) established in the EU food and feed legislation. However, levels of As and iAs in mussels at some time points exceeded the MLs for As in the feed legislation, and the margin of exposure (MOE) was low if these mussels were for human consumption, highlighting the importance of determining the chemical forms of As in feed and food.
Nanopollutants are nanoparticles that have escaped into the environment and can include engineered nanoparticles as well as nanoparticles that are products of degradation (e.g. nanoplastics) or other processes. As many of these particles are only recently developed or described there is still a lot to learn about where they come from, where they end up and what risks they pose to health and the environment.
Offering a wide overview of the most recent research on these emerging contaminants, from the investigation of their sources and fate to the analytical developments for their detection and analysis, this book gives the reader a full picture of the global research on engineered and natural nanoparticles in the environment. Taking a forward-looking perspective with chapters on new nanopollutants, regulatory direction and occurrence in different environmental compartments, this book is a great resource for anyone working in environmental chemistry, nanoscience or environmental regulation.
The elemental composition and bioaccessibility of the wild holothuroids Holothuria arguinensis, Holothuria forskali, and Holothuria mammata was studied. Nutritional and toxicological aspects were evaluated. H. mammata was the richest in Mn, Ni, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg; H. forskali had the highest Cu and I contents, 4.12-4.93 mg/kg dw and 28.02-28.26 mg/kg dw, respectively; and Summer H. arguinensis had high Se content, 4.26±0.08 mg/kg dw. Holothuroids as food may be a dietary Se and I source, with Pb as main hazard. In order to meet the Se Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), 15-18 g of dried H. arguinensis and 18-33 g of dried H. mammata would have to be consumed everyday. For I, 10 g of dried H. arguinensis, 6-11 g of dried H. forskali, and 20-21 g of dried H. mammata everyday would be required to achieve the I Dietary Recommended Intake (DRI). For meeting Cu dietary requirements, consumption frequencies would have to exceed 330 g dw/day in the most favourable case (Winter H. forskali). Regarding other essential elements, quantities would be much higher. Regarding contaminants, a consumption above 20-21 g/day of dried H. mammata would constitute a Pb risk. Overall, holothuroids can substantially contribute to elemental nutritional requirements.
The protective effect of tannic acid and tea solutions on the lungs, hearts and brains of adolescent Wistar rats exposed to Pb and Cd was studied. Metals were administered with feed (7 mg Cd and 50 mg Pb/kg). Two experiments were carried. Experiment 1 aimed to determine the level of tannic acid (TA), most effectively reducing the adverse impact of Pb and Cd on the organs of adolescent rats (aged 5 weeks, weighing 169.3 ± 14.7 g) during combined exposure. TA was administered with drink (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 or 2.5% solutions). In Experiment 2, adolescent rats (aged 6 weeks, weighing 210.6 ± 12.1 g) received an aqueous solutions of black, green, red or white teas. TA and teas had a positive effect on reducing the accumulation of Cd in the organs. The results obtained suggest that long-term continuing administration of TA increases its effectiveness as a chelator for Pb. A 2% TA and white tea solution proved to be the most effective. In the analyzed tissues, increased activity of SOD and CAT was recorded as a result of the use of the TA and teas; thus, they can efficiently prevent the prooxidant effect of toxic metals.
In this study, the levels of Al, As, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr and Zn were determined in 56 composite samples of food aids using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It also looked at the potential of food aids on mineral provision for pregnant and lactating women (PLW). The mean mineral contents in cereals were 46.3-378 mg kg⁻¹ for Ca, 24.6-64.4 mg kg⁻¹ for Fe, 2752-4072 mg kg⁻¹ for K, 774-1510 mg kg⁻¹ for Mg, and 14.1-26.1 mg kg⁻¹ for Zn. Cereals presented low dietary significance for K, Ca and Zn as a daily portion (450 g) could only provide between 5 and 69% of Adequate Intake (AI) or Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for PLW. Conversely, corn soya blend (CSB) and pulses appear to play a key role in mineral intakes. However, the existing daily ration for pulses demonstrated little importance to complement dietary K and Ca deficits. Fortunately, Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values were low enough to guarantee no potential health risks associated with several toxic elements. Overall, it was observed that the food aids do not provide sufficient amount of selected minerals for PLW.
Carcasses of common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) killed by hunters using shotguns are widely used or sold in the United Kingdom and elsewhere for human consumption. Almost all of the birds are shot using shotgun pellets composed principally of lead (Pb). Lead shotgun pellets often fragment on impact within the bodies of gamebirds, leaving small lead particles in the meat that are difficult for consumers to detect and remove and from which a greater proportion of lead is likely to be absorbed. Chronic exposure to even low levels of lead is associated with negative health effects in humans and especially in groups particularly vulnerable to the effects of lead, which include young children and pregnant women. Our study used a high-resolution computerised tomography X-ray scanner to locate, in three dimensions, metal fragments embedded within carcasses of eight pheasants sold for human consumption in the UK. Small radio-dense fragments (<2 mm diameter), assumed to be metallic lead, were present in all of the pheasant carcasses examined (mean number: 39 per carcass) and many were too small (<0.1 mm diameter) and too distant from the nearest large shotgun pellet for it to be practical for consumers to detect and remove them without discarding a large proportion of otherwise usable meat. Consumers of carcasses of pheasants killed using lead shotgun ammunition are likely to be exposed to elevated levels of dietary lead, even if careful food preparation is practiced to remove shotgun pellets and the most damaged tissue.
Milk and dairy products are a unique and essential for growth and healthy development not only for the young but also for all ages, the present work was performed to determine some toxic heavy metals in some dried dairy products sold in Alexandria City. A total of 120 samples representative as 60 milk powder,30 infant foods and 30 dried ice cream mix were collected from groceries and supermarkets and analysed for toxic heavy metal residues including (Pb, Cd, Al and Sn) by using atomic absorption flame emission spectrophotometer. The obtained results revealed that the mean(SD) level of Lead in the examined of milk powder, infant food and dried ice cream mix samples were of 0.185 ± 0.138, 0.134 ± 0.033 and 0.159 ± 0.185 ppm, the samples exceeded the permissible stated by Egyptian standards (0.02ppm) were 18(30%), 8(26.66%), and 13(43.33%), respectively. While, Cadmium residues was detected in 13 (21.66%), 7 (23.33%) and 11 (36.66%), the samples exceeded the Egyptian standards permissible limit (0.05 ppm) were 7 (11.66%), 3 (10%) and 6 (20%), respectively. Aluminium was detected in 10 (16.66%), 5 (16.66 %) and 7 (23.33 %) of examined milk powder, infant food and dried ice cream mix, only 3(5%) of examined milk powder samples were exceeded the permissible limit (0.5 ppm). Tin was detected in 13(21.66%), 9 (30 %) and 10 (33.33 %) of examined milk powder, infant food and dried ice cream mix, respectively. All positive samples were within the Egyptian standards permissible limit (200 ppm). Suggestive measures were discussed to prevent or minimize the levels of toxic heavy metals in dried dairy products.
Neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells were used to investigate effects of exposure to the food contaminant acrylamide (AA) and its main metabolite glycidamide (GA) on key neurodevelopmental processes. Diet is an important source of human AA exposure for pregnant women, and AA is known to pass the placenta and the newborn may also be exposed through breast feeding after birth. The NSCs were exposed to AA and GA (1×10⁻⁸ – 3×10⁻³ M) under 7 days of proliferation and up to 28 days of differentiation towards a mixed culture of neurons and astrocytes. Effects on cell viability was measured using Alamar Blue™ cell viability assay, alterations in gene expression were assessed using real time PCR and RNA sequencing, and protein levels were quantified using immunocytochemistry and high content imaging. Effects of AA and GA on neurodevelopmental processes were evaluated using endpoints linked to common key events identified in the existing developmental neurotoxicity adverse outcome pathways (AOPs). Our results suggest that AA and GA at low concentrations (1×10⁻⁷ - 1×10-8 M) increased cell viability and markers of proliferation both in proliferating NSCs (7 days) and in maturing neurons after 14 to 28 days of differentiation. IC50 for cell death of AA and GA was 5.2×10-3 M and 5.8×10-4 M, respectively, showing about ten times higher potency for GA. Increased expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concomitant with decreased synaptogenesis were observed for GA exposure (10⁻⁷ M) only at later differentiation stages, and an increased number of astrocytes (up to 3-fold) at 14 and 21 days of differentiation. Also, AA exposure gave tendency towards decreased differentiation (increased percent Nestin positive cells). After 28 days, neurite branch points and number of neurites per neuron measured by microtubule-associated protein 2 (Map2) staining decreased, while the same neurite features measured by βIII-Tubulin increased, indicating perturbation of neuronal differentiation and maturation.
The rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) was used to investigate the effect of ergot alkaloids (EA) and a mycotoxin deactivating product (Biomin AA; MDP) on nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation parameters, total gas, methane, and microbial nitrogen production. Ruminal fermentation vessels received a feedlot finishing diet of 90:10 concentrate:barley silage (DM basis). Using a randomized complete block design, treatments were assigned (n = 4 vessels/treatment) within two RUSITEC apparatuses in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments included: 1) control (CON) diet (no EA and no MDP); 2) CON diet + 1 g/d MDP; 3) CON diet + 20 mg/kg EA; and 4) CON diet + 20 mg/kg EA + 1 g/d MDP. The study was conducted over 14 d with 7 d of adaptation and 7 d of sample collection. Data were analyzed in SAS using PROC MIXED including fixed effects of EA, MDP, and the EA×MDP interaction. Random effects included RUSITEC apparatus and cow rumen inoculum (n = 4). Ergot alkaloids decreased dry matter (DMD) (P = 0.01; 87.9 vs. 87.2%) and organic matter disappearance (OMD) (P = 0.02; 88.8 vs. 88.4%). Inclusion of MDP increased OMD (P = 0.01; 88.3 vs. 88.9%). Neutral detergent fiber disappearance (NDFD) was improved with MDP; however, an EA×MDP interaction was observed with MDP increasing (P < 0.001) NDFD more with EA diet compared to CON. Acetate proportion decreased (P = 0.01) and isovalerate increased (P = 0.03) with EA. Consequently, acetate:propionate was reduced (P = 0.03) with EA. Inclusion of MDP increased total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production (P < 0.001), and proportions of acetate (P = 0.03) and propionate (P = 0.03), and decreased valerate (P < 0.001), isovalerate (P = 0.04), and caproate (P = 0.002). Treatments did not affect (P ≥ 0.17) ammonia, total gas, or methane production (mg/d or mg/g of organic matter fermented). The inclusion of MDP reduced (P < 0.001) microbial nitrogen (MN) production in the effluent and increased (P = 0.01) feed particle bound MN. Consequently, total MN decreased (P = 0.001) with MDP. In all treatments, the dominant microbial phyla were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria, and the major microbial genus was Prevotella. Inclusion of MDP further increased the abundance of Bacteroidota (P = 0.04) as it increased both Prevotella (P = 0.04) and Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 (P = 0.001). In conclusion, EA reduced OMD and acetate production due to impaired rumen function, these responses were successfully reversed by the addition of MDP.
Heavy metals contamination in food commodities is a serious threat because of their toxicity, bio-magnification and bioaccumulation in food chain, which has been increasing day by day. In the current study, heavy metal (Cd, Co, Cu, Pb and Ni) analysis was carried out in two different species Parastematus Gibosus, belonging to Heamulidae family and Johnnies Dussumieri belonging to Sciaenidae Family. These species were collected from two different locations i.e. West Wharf and Korangi Creek during Jan to December 2020. For fish samples of Sciaenidae, the concentration of Cd was observed to be 0.21 to 0.40μg g-1 , Co was 16.5 to 18.6μg g-1 , Cu was 15.2 to 23.5μg g-1 , Pb was 4.1 to 9.2μg g-1 and Ni was22.5 to 35.3μg g-1. On the other hand, for fish samples of Haemulidae the concentration of Cd found as 0.17 to 0.38μg g-1 , Co as 15.4 to 17.5μg g-1 , Cu as 14.2 to 17.8μg g-1 , Pb as 1.5 to 7.5μg g-1 and Ni as 23.5 to 34.8μg g-1. Cd and Pb was found highest in March, Cu in June, Ni in September and Co in December. Month-wise variation in heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb in the edible tissues of Parastematus Gibosus) for two different coastal areas i.e. Korangi Creek and West Wharf was also studied. For coastal area West Wharf, the concentration of Cr in the edible tissues of Parastematus Gibosusranged from 0.543 to 0.835μg g-1 , Cd was 0.35 to 0.80μg g-1 , Mn was 0.151 to 0.189μg g-1 , Pb was 0.10 to 0.89μg g-1 and Ni was0.601 to 0.723μg g-1. On the other hand, for Korangi Creek the concentration of Cr was detected as 0.559 to 0.899μgg-1 , Cd was 0.13 to 0.80μg g-1, Mn as 0.158 to 0.168μg g-1 , Pbas 0.10 to 0.86μg g-1 and Ni as 0.664 to 0.712μg g-1 .The results showed a significant difference of seasonal variation of heavy metals concentration in fish samples analyzed. The contamination in fish was higher during the summer season and lowest in winter season, therefore it is advisable to decrease the consumption of fish in summer to avoid the accumulation of heavy metals in human body.
Abstract Steaming process is the most popular method for cooking mussels worldwide. The effect of this cooking process on some toxic (Cd, Ni, Pb), essential (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) elements, minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg), total lipids, and fatty acid profiles in the Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) harvested from the Black Sea was studied. Different approaches to assess the benefits and risks (n‐6/n‐3, PUFA/SFA, AI, TI, h/H, EDI, THQ, HI, TR, and HQEFA) were employed. In general, steaming process significantly modified some essential elements and minerals concentrations as well as the fatty acid profiles. Compared to the raw samples, this culinary practice resulted in an increased concentration of Na, Mg, Zn, and saturated fatty acids and a decrease of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Significant changes in the lipid quality indices (PUFA/SFA, AI, TI, and h/H) from the raw samples were observed. No effect on the DHA content was found. However, the significant increase in the absolute content of EPA + DHA indicates that steaming does not compromise the nutritional quality of mussels. Target hazard quotients (THQs) and hazard index (HI) from elemental intake were below 1, indicating that the steamed M. galloprovincialis pose no hazard for the consumers. The target risk (TR) values for Pb, Cr, and Ni were calculated, evaluated, and showed acceptable or negligible levels. In addition, the benefit–risk ratio indicated that the steamed M. galloprovincialis are safe for human consumption.
Cadmium is ubiquitous in the environment and in food and accumulates in the body, affecting kidney, lung, and bone. The aggregate exposure to cadmium was probabilistically estimated through two major routes: ingestion of food and water and inhalation of ambient air/tobacco smoke, followed by health risk assessment, with focus on the cardinal systemic effect of cadmium, nephrotoxicity. The magnitude of the aggregate intake was estimated with the Monte Carlo method, using actual occurrence and consumption data. As absorption rates of the individual exposure routes determine the internal exposure, alternative exposure scenarios considered different relationships between the absorption capacities for the individual exposure routes, according to published experimental and modelling data. Emphasis was placed on the exposure of women, a vulnerable population. Intake and internal exposure levels were compared with health-based guidance values and with a cut-off level for renal effects, respectively. Proportions of individuals with intakes exceeding these values, as well as contributions of the individual exposure routes to the aggregate exposure were calculated. The contribution of inhalation to the aggregate intake of non-smokers is negligible, whilst it is prominent for smokers. Risks are high for smokers, especially those consuming non-filtered cigarettes, and are maximized for women. Internal exposures of smokers exceed the cut-off value for irreversible renal effects up to 2.2-fold. The percentage of smokers with exposures exceeding the health-based guidance values is alarming, reaching 77% for women. Occurrence data gaps, simulation of the smoking pattern, and lack of information about passive smoking exposures are main sources of uncertainty.
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