Metals in Diplodus sargus cadenati and Sparisoma cretense —a risk assessment for consumers

Abstract

The increases in urbanization, demography and industrial activity, along with growing human needs which exploit the resources of the planet, have exponentially exacerbated pollution. In particular, the discharge of heavy metals into the marine ecosystem is a problem of global magnitude, as this may damage the diversity of marine species and ecosystems because of their toxicity, long persistence and bioaccumulation. Consequently, it is necessary to carry out an assessment of the risk of human exposure from the consumption of marine species potentially exposed to this type of pollutants. In the present study, the levels of toxic heavy metals (Cd, Pb and Al) as well as trace and essential metals (B, Ba, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sr, V and Zn) and macronutrients (Ca, K, Mg, Na) have been quantified in two species of fish for human consumption. In order to do this, a total of 80 muscle samples and 80 liver samples, belonging to two species of osteichthyes (bony fish), Diplodus sargus cadenati and Sparisoma cretense, were analyzed. The specimens studied were captured on the north coast of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) using recreational fishing techniques. As they caught from the shore, the data obtained respond to the need to assess the toxic levels in two representative species of artisanal and recreational fishing in the area. The risk assessment indicated that these two fish species are safe for the average consumer; however, if the livers are frequently consumed, there may be potential risks because they exceed the Admissible Daily Intakes for Pb and Cd.