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Concentrations of Hg were determined in tissues (muscle, heart, kidney, lung and liver) of two cetacean species (Stenella coeruleoalba and Tursiops truncatus) stranded along the Italian coasts during the period 2000–2009 and compared with those previously reported by other authors from different areas of the Mediterranean basin. The highest concentrations of Hg were found in liver samples of both species (8.4-1752 mg·kg−1 dry weight for S. coeruleoalba and 9.6-1404 mg·kg−1 d.w. for T. truncatus). Statistically significant dissimilarities of Hg concentrations were recorded in muscle and liver tissues of S. coeruleoalba stranded in different geographical areas of the Mediterranean Sea as apparent direct response to uneven impacts of Hg pollution in the basin. A noteworthy outcome was that cetaceans stranded on the French coasts showed significantly higher levels of Hg contamination than those from other Mediterranean areas while the eastern part of the basin evidences the lowest Hg concentrations i...

Trace element concentrations (chromium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese and vanadium) were determined in organs of five species of cetaceans (Stenella coeruleoalba, Tursiops truncatus, Grampus griseus, Physeter macrocephalus, Ziphius cavirostris) that were found stranded along Italian coasts in the period 2000-2009. This dataset represents an important opportunity to verify and assess (particularly for V) patterns of incorporation of trace elements in different organs of cetaceans in a wide spectrum of species and related specimens distributed in all the age classes, and consequently determine the physiological and metabolic effects on the distribution modes of the same chemicals. In particular, Cu, Zn, and Fe accumulate preferentially in the liver of all studied specimens, while Mn and Cr values are found to be nearly constant in the analysed organs and tissues regardless of species. Comparable concentrations of trace elements, in different age classes, were measured for both specimens of S. coeruleoalba and T. truncatus (the most abundant dolphin species in the Mediterranean sea) in all analysed organs. On the other hand, unprecedented reported concentrations of V in tissues and organs of cetaceans from the Mediterranean show higher values when compared to levels measured in other marine mammals from the Atlantic Ocean.

Our study reports on the total mercury (HgT) concentrations measured in the muscles and livers of several benthic, demersal and pelagic fish species caught inside and outside of Augusta Bay (southern Italy), a semi-enclosed marine area, highly contaminated by the uncontrolled (since the 1950s to 1978s) discharge of the largest European petrochemical plant. Mercury levels in fish tissues are discussed with regard to specific habitat, size and/or age of the specimens and HgT distribution in the bottom sediments. Results suggest a still active Hg release mechanism from the polluted sediments to the marine environment. Also, the high HgT concentrations measured in fishes caught in the external area of the bay imply a potential role of Augusta Bay as a pollutant source for the Mediterranean ecosystem. Finally, values of hazard target quotient (THQ) and estimated weekly intake (EWI) demonstrate that consumption of fishes caught inside the bay represents a serious risk for human health. Also, data indicate that intake of fishes caught from the external area of the bay, especially for that concern demersal and benthic species, could be represent a significant component of risk for the local population.