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Total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), and selenium (Se) concentrations were measured in various commercially important fish species. The benefit–risk binomial associated with these chemicals was assessed in children through the probability of exceeding the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs) of the contaminants and the Se recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The Se:Hg molar ratios, selenium health benefit values (HBVSe), and monthly consumption rate limits (CRmm) for each species were also calculated. THg and Se were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Milan, Italy), while MeHg was determined by Trace Ultra gas chromatograph connected with a PolarisQ MS (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). None of the analyzed fish had Hg levels above the European Community regulatory limits, while most large predators had MeHg levels over the threshold concentration set by US EPA. The estimated weekly intakes of THg and MeHg exceeded in many cases the PTWIs and the Se estimated daily intakes were provided from 0.71% to 2.75% of the RDA. Se:Hg molar ratios above 1 and positive HBVSe index suggested that Se in fish could be enough to alleviate the potential toxic effect of Hg. However, high-risk groups as children should consume fish in moderation because a large consumption pattern, especially of swordfish and tunas, might be of concern for health.

This study provides valuable information on the levels of various trace metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Zn, Cu, Cr) in meat products (baked ham, raw ham, mortadella, cured sausage, würstel, salami) from South Italy and calculates potential health risk toxicity associated with their consumption for the total population and for children. In the samples studied metal concentrations are within the permissible legal limits (Cd: 0.01–0.03 μg g−1 w.w., Hg: 0.01–0.02 μg g−1 w.w., Zn: 5.71–7.32 μg g−1 w.w., Cu: 1.08–1.21 μg g−1 w.w., Cr: 0.15–0.23 μg g−1 w.w.), except for Pb (Pb: 0.22–0.38 μg g−1 w.w.). The estimated intake values are within the provisional tolerable daily intake limits for toxic metals and recommended daily intake values for essential metals in both tested groups. The noncarcinogenic risk values of the individual metals indicate that there is no health risk, but their combined effects might constitute a potential risk for children. Furthermore, the cumulative cancer risk of all samples studied exceeds the recommended threshold risk limit (> 10−4) in both total population and children, indicating a risk of potential health problems for consumers especially for children, who are more vulnerable to toxic metal exposure.

This study measures total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and selenium (Se) concentrations in elasmobranch fish from an Italian market with the aim of evaluating the risk-benefit associated with their consumption, using estimated weekly intake (EWI), permissible safety level (MeHgPSL), selenium health benefit value (HBVSe) and monthly consumption rate limit (CRmm) for each species. THg and Se were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry, while MeHg was determined by HrGc/Ms. THg and MeHg concentrations ranged from 0.61 to 1.25 μg g−1 w.w. and from 0.57 to 0.97 μg g−1 w.w., respectively, whereas Se levels were 0.49–0.65 μg g−1 w.w. In most samples European Community limits for THg were surpassed, while for MeHg none of the fish had levels above the limit adopted by FAO/WHO. EWIs for THg and MeHg in many cases were above the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs). MeHgPSL estimate showed that fish should contain approximately 50% of the concentration measured to avoid exceeding the PTWI. Nevertheless, the HBVSe index indicated that solely skates were safe for human consumption (HBVSe = 3.57–6.22). Our results highlight the importance of a constant monitoring of THg and MeHg level in fish, especially in apex predators, to avoid the risk of overexposure for consumers.

The concentrations of nine trace elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, V, Ni, Co, Cr, Cu and Zn) were determined in sixteen fish species collected in commercial centers of South Italy. Additionally, the assessment of risk indices (Hazard Quotient, Hazard Index, Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk) through the consumption of various fish species were estimated in different age groups. The concentrations fell under the maximum permissible levels (MPLs) for human consumption recommended by European Union, with an only exception regarding Cd, which exceeded the tolerable value in Atlantic bluefin tuna samples. The estimated weekly intakes of metals, all below Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes (PTWIs), were in the following decreasing order: children > teenagers > adults > elders. The estimated hazard quotient (HQ) of Hg being above or close to 1 indicated a high probability of experiencing non-carcinogenic health risks, while the noncarcinogenic threats associated with exposure to other metals were insignificant (

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDD/Fs) were measured in Mediterranean bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) to verify the compliance with the EU regulations for food commercialization. The estimated intakes were also evaluated. The analyses were performed by gas chromatography-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS). The PCBs were dominant (1132.0 ng g−1 l.w.), followed by PCDFs (23.2 pg g−1 l.w.) and PCDDs (8.5 pg g−1 l.w.). The pollutant levels (dl-PCBs: 0.7 pg TEQ/g w.w.; PCDD/Fs: 1.9 pg TEQ/g w.w.) and their sum expressed as TEQ values (2.6 pg TEQ/g w.w.) remained below the limits for human consumption proposed by the European Union. On the contrary, the sum of the six indicator non-dioxin-like PCBs (84.2 ng g−1 w.w.) was slightly above the maximum level fixed by the in-force legislation. The estimated dietary intakes for PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs were below the toxicological reference values (TRVs) set by various international bodies, while non-cancer and cancer risk assessment revealed a safety concern. Additionally, the estimated intake of ndl-PCBs exceeded the maximum levels set by different European countries. These findings suggest caution in tuna consumption together with an active and frequent surveillance of the chemical quality of its flesh.

Melanomacrophage centres (MMCs), located in different organs of non-mammalian vertebrates, play a role in the destruction, detoxification or recycling of endogenous and exogenous materials. Cytochrome P450 monoxygenase 1A (CYP1A) is involved in xenobiotics biotransformation, and its liver expression is considered as a biomarker for detecting exposure to environmental pollutants. Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT), Thunnus thynnus L., liver samples were collected from: wild animals caught in the eastern Atlantic; juveniles reared in the central Adriatic; juveniles reared in the northern Adriatic; adults reared in the western Mediterranean. The samples were processed for basic histology, histochemistry and for CYP1A immunodetection. An unexpected high density of MMCs, containing ferric iron and lipofuscin–ceroids, was detected in the juveniles sampled in the northern Adriatic Sea. These individuals showed also a strong anti-CYP1A immunopositivity in hepatocytes and in the epithelium of bile ducts. This study supports the utility of MMCs as biomarkers of fish ‘health status’ and gives concern for a potential contaminant accumulation in ABFT.

The muscle tissue of eels was analysed for metals (Hg, Cd, Cu and Zn), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDTs) to ascertain whether the concentrations exceeded the maximum levels fixed by the European Commission. Zinc showed the highest concentrations (mean: 20.2 μg g−1 wet wt), followed by copper (mean: 0.58 μg g−1 wet wt), mercury (mean: 0.18 μg g−1 wet wt) and cadmium (mean: 0.03 μg g−1 wet wt). None of the fish samples analysed presented metal concentrations exceeding the proposed limits. Among the organochlorine pesticides, only p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT were found with mean values of 19.2 and 3.0 ng g−1 wet wt, respectively, while mean concentrations of PCBs were 94.0 ng g−1 wet wt. With regard to DDT and its metabolites the concentrations were well below the maximum residue limit (MRL), while the mean PCB concentrations, calculated as the sum of the seven “target” congeners indicated by the European Union, exceeded the established limit. From an ecotoxicological point of view, the concentrations of metals and organochlorine compounds reflect a comparatively clean and pollution-free environment. These concentrations may be, thus, considered as useful background levels to which to refer for comparison within the Adriatic Sea.

Mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) were quantified in fish, cephalopods and crustaceans from Italian supermarkets. Sample compliance with European dietary standards as well as human health risks according to provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) and the methodology of target hazard quotient (THQ) were evaluated. Both element levels were under European legal limits, except for some fish having Hg and Cd contents exceeding or equal to critical values. Estimated weekly intakes (Hg: fish = 0.07-1.44 µg kg(-1) bw week(-1); cephalopods = 0.05-0.15 µg kg(-1) bw week(-1); crustaceans = 0.04-0.08 µg kg(-1) bw week(-1); and Cd: fish = 0.04-0.32 µg kg(-1) bw week(-1); cephalopods = 0.07-0.27 µg kg(-1) bw week(-1); crustaceans = 0.05-0.11 µg kg(-1) bw week(-1)) as well as THQ 1 were within safe limits. Although there seems to be no important risks associated with seafood consumption, Hg exposure was in some cases close to safety margins and thus levels of this metal should be under frequent surveillance.

PCB and PCDD/F concentrations and congener specific profiles were determined in seafood (fish, cephalopods, crustaceans) purchased in supermarkets in Southern Italy. The results intended to assess and compare the levels and congener profiles among the various organisms and evaluate whether the pollutant concentrations exceed the maximum permitted levels according to European Union guidelines. Contaminant accumulation followed the order PCBs > PCDFs > PCDDs in all samples. Species-specific bioaccumulation of contaminants and differences in PCB and PCDD/F profiles among the three different groups of seafood were noted. Pollutant concentrations, given as sum of WHO-TEQ, in all samples (fish: 0.28 pg g −1 wet wt; cephalopods: 0.01 pg g −1 wet wt; crustaceans: 0.03 pg g −1 wet wt) did not exceed the maximum limits for human consumption. Also the sum of six indicator PCBs (fish: 0.07–16.7 ng g −1 wet weight; cephalopods: 0.05–0.21 ng g −1 wet weight; crustaceans: 0.07–0.57 ng g −1 wet weight) was below the level prescribed by the legislation in all the species tested. The estimated dietary intakes (fish: 0.52 TEQs/kg bw/week; cephalopods: 0.01 TEQs/kg bw/week; crustaceans: 0.02 TEQs/kg bw/week) were below the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) proposed by the European Commission. Therefore, the samples analyzed can be considered safe considering the levels obtained and the in-force legislation.

Mercury, cadmium, and lead concentrations were determined in various fishery products (fishes, cephalopod molluscs, and crustaceans) imported into Italy from many European and non-European coastal countries. Considerable differences were found in the concentrations of these metals among the products tested. The highest mean Hg concentration was found in fishes (0.21 μg g(-1) wet weight), whereas cephalopods had the highest mean Cd concentration (0.35 μg g(-1) wet weight). Swordfish (0.80 μg g(-1) wet weight), longtail tuna (0.53 μg g(-1) wet weight), and thornback ray (0.52 μg g(-1) wet weight) had the highest concentrations of Hg, whereas maximum Cd concentrations were found in samples of common cuttlefish (0.85 μg g(-1) wet weight) and common octopus (0.64 μg g(-1) wet weight). The majority of the samples analyzed were in compliance with European Union legislation, except for a few cases. The calculated mean weekly intakes of Hg, Cd, and Pb through consumption of the fishery products tested were all below the legislated respective provisional tolerable weekly intakes. In general, the samples analyzed were considered safe to eat with regard to the metal concentrations found and the allowable intakes based on legislation. Nevertheless, the consumption of some species may be of significant importance for consumer health.

Hg, Pb and Cd levels in fresh and canned tuna were determined and assessed by comparing element levels in these samples with maximum permissible limits set by European legislation. The estimated weekly intakes by human consuming both fresh and canned tuna were also evaluated for possible consumer health risks. Among tested metals, Hg had the highest concentrations, followed by Pb and Cd either in fresh tuna or canned tuna. None of the tested samples surpassed the European regulatory limits fixed for Cd and Pb, whereas 8.9% of the tuna cans and 20% of fresh tuna samples exceeded standard for Hg. The size of tuna was a determining factor of Hg burden. A high intake of Hg surpassing the toxicological reference value established by WHO, was associated with consumption of larger size tuna specimens. Also canned tuna consumption with Hg concentrations higher than 1 μg kg −1 , strongly increased the consumer exposure. In contrast, Cd and Pb weekly intakes through consumption either of fresh tuna or canned tuna did not exceed the toxicological reference values established by WHO, and consequently there was no human health risk. A continuous surveillance system of Hg content in these fishery products is crucial for consumer protection.

Total concentrations of essential (Cu, Zn, Se and Cr) and non-essential (Hg, Cd, Pb and As) trace elements were measured in the flesh and hepatopancreas of Octopodidae (Eledone moschata, Eledone cirrhosa, Octopus salutii), Sepiidae (Sepia elegans, Sepia orbignyana) and Loliginidae (Illex coindeti, Loligo vulgaris) from the Mediterranean Sea. As expected, the hepatopancreas showed higher metal concentrations than flesh; the only exceptions were Hg and As, which were equally distributed in the two tissues. Regarding the edible portion, the highest toxic metal concentrations were in Octopodidae (Hg: 0.44, Cd: 0.49, Pb: 0.10 µg g(-1) wet weight) and Sepiidae (Hg: 0.27, Cd: 0.50, Pb: 0.12 µg g(-1) wet weight), while Loliginidae tended to accumulate less metal, especially Hg (Hg: 0.11, Cd: 0.30, Pb: 0.05 µg g(-1) wet weight). The other elements showed a heterogeneous distribution among the different cephalopod families. Loliginidae showed the highest Se concentrations (1.18 µg g(-1) wet weight), Octopodidae of Cu (37.37 µg g(-1) wet weight) and Zn (42.00 µg g(-1) wet weight) and Sepiidae of As (61.43 µg g(-1) wet weight), while Cr was uniformly distributed among the various families (0.38-0.43 µg g(-1) wet weight). In these seafoods, the concentrations of essential and non-essential elements were within the prescribed limits set by various authorities, except for Cu and As. Health risks posed by toxic elements to humans via dietary intake of these mollusks were assessed on the basis on Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI), while the estimated intakes of essential elements were compared to Dietary Reference Intakes (RDIs). A 70-g serving of these mollusks was shown to provide a large contribution to Cd intake (0.89 µg kg(-1) body weight), corresponding to 35.6% of PTWI. Concerning the essential elements, the consumption of these mollusks made an important contribution to daily dietary intake of Se, Cu and Zn.