We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Metal Levels in Crab Sentinel Species from the Mediterranean Sea: Safety and Toxicological Risk Assessment
Summary
Scientists tested three types of Mediterranean crabs for toxic metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic, and found levels of these harmful substances that exceeded safe limits for food. While the overall ocean pollution in the area was low, the high metal levels in the crabs suggest people who eat these shellfish could be exposed to dangerous amounts of toxins. This study highlights the need for regular testing of seafood to protect human health from metal contamination.
The assessment of metal contamination in aquatic species represents an important tool to monitor the risk of exposure for these species in relation to marine pollution. Crabs are the sentinel species of the aquatic environment and are very sensitive to metal exposure because these inorganic contaminants can be easily absorbed into their exoskeleton and migrate into their inner tissues. The aim of this study was to assess the content of metals and metalloids (Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Mn and Ni) in species of warty crab (Eriphia verrucosa), brown crab (Cancer pagurus), and marbled crab (Pachygrapsus marmoratus), mainly distributed along the Mediterranean coastlines. The investigations, carried out on several parts of crabs (carapace and the related pulp, gills, claws and bronchial muscle) showed the presence of residual levels of metals and metalloids (Mn > Pb > Hg > As > Ni > Cr > Cd), correlated to the distribution of these elements in the marine environment and to the specific biological features of crabs. However, the values of Metal Pollution Index (MPI) suggested a low level of contamination of the marine ecosystem where these species were found, and the coefficient of correlation (K), a specific parameters of toxicological risk assessment, was indicative of crab health status. However, the residual levels of Hg, Pb and As above the MRL in all analyzed crab species underlined the importance of continuous monitoring studies on the safety of these sea-foods.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Evaluation of Health Risks Attributed to Toxic Trace Elements and Selenium in Farmed Mediterranean Mussels from Türkiye and Bulgaria
Researchers measured levels of selenium and toxic trace metals including cadmium, mercury, and lead in farmed mussels from the coasts of Turkey and Bulgaria. While most metal concentrations were below safety thresholds, some samples showed elevated cadmium levels that could pose health risks with regular consumption. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring contaminant levels in farmed shellfish to protect consumer health.
Residual Levels of Mercury, Cadmium, Lead and Arsenic in Some Commercially Key Species from Italian Coasts (Adriatic Sea): Focus on Human Health
Researchers assessed mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic levels in two commercially important fish species from the Adriatic Sea, finding that while individual metal concentrations were generally below safety thresholds, cumulative exposure from high fish consumption may pose health risks.
Heavy metal accumulation in a bioindicator species, Limpet Patella caerulea, in Yalova (İzmit Bay): Risk assessment for human health
Researchers examined monthly heavy metal concentrations (cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, and iron) in the whole-body tissue of the limpet Patella caerulea as a bioindicator species in Izmit Bay, Marmara Sea, and conducted a human health risk assessment based on measured metal levels. The study found that cadmium levels exceeded safe limits in all sampled months and lead exceeded limits in autumn, indicating potential health risks for consumers of limpets from this heavily industrialized coastal area.
The seasonal assessment of heavy metals pollution in the waters of the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas of Morocco
This study measured heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni) in water samples from both the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Morocco, evaluating seasonal variation in metallic pollution and associated health risks from seafood consumption.
Elemental analysis of wild Eriocheir sinensis: Determining the geographic origin and human health risk assessment
Researchers analyzed the elemental composition of wild mitten crabs from three different river systems in China to determine whether trace element profiles could identify their geographic origin. They found significant differences in element concentrations across locations and successfully used statistical models to classify crabs by origin with high accuracy. The study also assessed potential health risks from consuming the crabs and found that certain trace elements, particularly cadmium, exceeded safe intake thresholds.