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Toxic Metals in Pelagic, Benthic and Demersal Fish Species from Mediterranean FAO Zone 37

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Abstract

Fish represents a nutrient-rich food but, at the same time, is one of the most important contributor to the dietary intake of heavy metals. The aim of this study was to assess residual levels of Pb, Cd and Hg in different species, caught from FAO zones 37 1.3 and 37 2.2, particularly small pelagic, benthic and demersal fishes. The results obtained showed the absence of toxic metal in fishes from FAO zone 37 1.3. Relating to FAO zone 37 2.2, instead, in all samples we observed the absence of Pb, small concentrations of Cd (0.081 ± 0.022 mg/kg) and higher Hg residual levels (0.252 ± 0.033 mg/kg). Particularly, the trend of Cd contamination was similar in all species whereas Hg showed high levels in demersal, intermediate in pelagic and low in benthic species. However, only Cd concentrations exceed the MRL in mackerel, mullet, sea-bream fishes, according to Regulation CE n. 629/2008 and n. 488/2014.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Sciences, Territorial, Food and Health Security (S.A.S.T.A.S.), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166, Messina, Italy

    Clara Naccari, Nicola Cicero & Giacomo Dugo

  2. Department of Food, Veterinary Institute of Sicily “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129, Palermo, Italy

    Vincenzo Ferrantelli, Giuseppe Giangrosso, Antonio Vella & Andrea Macaluso

  3. Department of Veterinary Public Health, University of Messina, V.le Annunziata, 98165, Messina, Italy

    Francesco Naccari

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  1. Clara Naccari
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  2. Nicola Cicero
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  3. Vincenzo Ferrantelli
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  4. Giuseppe Giangrosso
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  5. Antonio Vella
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  6. Andrea Macaluso
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  7. Francesco Naccari
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  8. Giacomo Dugo
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Correspondence to Nicola Cicero.

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Naccari, C., Cicero, N., Ferrantelli, V. et al. Toxic Metals in Pelagic, Benthic and Demersal Fish Species from Mediterranean FAO Zone 37. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 95, 567–573 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-015-1585-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-015-1585-6

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