Concentrations and health risk assessment of total mercury in canned tuna marketed in Southest Brazil

The aim of this research was to determine total mercury (Hg) content in 69 canned tuna of 13 brands marketed in southwest Brazil. All values are reported in μg.g⁻¹ wet weight basis. Potential health risk was estimated on the basis of mercury concentration and average consumption (175 g/per week) of fish in Brazil comparing to PTWI of 1.6 μg.kg⁻¹ (FAO/WHO, 2010). A large variation in the concentration of mercury in different species was observed. Mean mercury concentration was 0.256 ± 0.215 μg.g⁻¹ with a highest value of 1.060 μg.g⁻¹ in a single can. In general average concentration was below the legislation of 1.0 μg.g⁻¹ for predatory species (BRASIL, 2010). Estimate weekly intake (EWI) varied 0.2–1.7 μg.kg⁻¹. For the analyzed brands and Brazilian fish consumption, no human health risk is likely to occur. However one brand was higher than PTWI of 1.6 μg.kg⁻¹ showing no safety for specific risk group. Further studies including specific data on canned tuna consumption in specific populations will be needed as well as the fish type, fish size and fishing location.     

Mercury in canned tuna: white versus light and temporal variation

There are abundant data and advisories for mercury levels in wild fish, but far fewer for commercial fish that compose a large majority of the fish most people eat. Until recently, relatively little attention has been devoted to examining mercury in canned tuna, despite its great importance in human diets. There is substantial media coverage of the benefits and risk from fish consumption, but few peer-reviewed data on canned tuna, the most commonly consumed fish in the United States. In this paper, we examine the levels of total mercury in canned tuna obtained from a New Jersey grocery store from 1998 to 2003, looking for temporal consistency within this data set and particularly for comparison with the Food and Drug Administration's 1991 study. We analyzed 168 cans individually for total mercury. All values are reported as parts per million (= microg/g) on a wet weight basis. In a subset of samples analyzed for total and inorganic mercury, the inorganic mercury was below detection levels; hence at least 89% of the mercury can be considered methylmercury. We found that white-style tuna had significantly more total mercury (mean 0.407 ppm) than light-style tuna (mean 0.118 ppm), presumably reflecting that "white" tuna is albacore, a species relatively larger than the skipjack tuna, which is commonly available as "light" or "chunk light." The maximum mercury in a can was 0.997 ppm, but 25% of white tuna samples exceeded 0.5 ppm. Data suggest a slight increase in levels since 1991, and mercury levels were significantly higher in 2001 than in other years. The mean level of mercury in white tuna (mean 0.407 ppm) was significantly higher than the mean value of 0.17 ppm currently used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in its risk assessment and public information. There were no significant differences in mercury levels in tuna packed in oil compared to water. Draining contents had no effect on mercury levels, and the fluid, both oil and water, contained little mercury. These data indicate that people who eat canned tuna frequently can choose light tuna and reduce their mercury intake. Canned mackerel had much lower levels of mercury than tuna. Since cans of white tuna frequently exceed the FDA's original action level of 0.5 ppm, it would be prudent to continue some systematic monitoring of the nation's canned fish supply, particularly as the targets of commercial fisheries inevitably change as certain stocks become depleted.     

Human exposure in Italy to lead,cadmium and mercury through fish and seafood product consumption from Eastern Central Atlantic Fishing Area

The presence of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) was investigated in fish and seafood products collected from the FAO Major Fishing Area 34, Eastern Central Atlantic. Samples were purchased from different retail outlets in Italy. Samples were selected so as to assess human exposure through diet. Metals were detected by Q-ICP-MS and Hg-AAS. All the metal concentrations detected were largely below the maximum levels (MLs) established by the European Union. The exposure assessment was undertaken by matching the concentration of Cd, Pb and total Hg in fish and other seafood products selected purposed according to Italian consumption data. The estimated weekly intakes (EWIs) for the evaluated elements related to the consumption of fish and other seafood products by the median of the Italian total population accounted for 14%, 2% and 14% of the standard tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for Cd and Hg as well as the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for Pb, respectively.     

Nutritional content,mercury, and trace element analyses of two skate (Rajidae) species in the Gulf of Alaska

Seafood is recognized as an important source of proteins and long chain omega-3 fatty acids. However, one of the primary concerns with seafood consumption is the level of heavy metals, particularly mercury, present in fish tissues, which may influence the demand of certain fishery products. We sampled muscle and liver tissues from 20 big (Beringraja binoculata) and 20 longnose (Raja rhina) skates collected near Kodiak and Cordova, Alaska, and analyzed their nutritional content (protein, moisture and lipid content and fatty acid profiles), heavy metal (mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead) and trace element (selenium) load. Big and longnose skate muscle was composed of lean protein (14.7% ± 0.7% SD) with 1.2% (±0.4%) lipids and 83% (±0.8%) moisture. Skate livers were very high in lipids, between 52.5 and 57.5% and had high percentages of omega-3 fatty acids (30.2%). Mercury in these skates had mean levels of 0.21 mg/kg, lower than average levels found in Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). Overall, the risk/benefit ratio of consuming skate muscle was slightly positive (3.62%) based on the balance of mercury toxicity and omega-3 fatty acid benefits. Big skates were overall more beneficial to consume, and only longnose skates from Cordova had a negative risk/benefit ratio. These data can be used by the fishing industry to understand current and future market demands for skate products, and to be aware of any health concerns of consuming Gulf of Alaska skates.     

Assessing arsenic,cadmium, and lead contents in major crops in Brazil for food safety purposes

The food chain is one of the major sources of human exposure to non-essential trace elements (TEs) present in soils. Human exposure to contaminated food is a worldwide health concern and a food safety issue that threatens agricultural trade. To assess the quality of Brazilian food products with respect to non-essential TEs, we evaluated arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) contents in five major crops grown in Brazil: rice, wheat, corn, soybeans, and potatoes. The samples were collected from field trials with a record of long-term use of phosphate fertilizers in the states of Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais, Brazil. The TE concentrations in soils were all bellow the maximum allowable concentrations for agricultural soils. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb (μg kg⁻¹ dry weight) were as follows: below the detection limit <15, 29, and <40 for rice; 19, 23, and 64 for wheat; 47, 40, and 95 for corn; 65, 23, and 106 for soybeans; and 59, 22, and <40 for potatoes, respectively. Significant differences were found in the As and Cd contents of the different wheat cultivars. The levels of As, Cd, and Pb found in the studied crops are well below the values reported in the literature and are in accordance with the Codex Alimentarius and the European Union and Brazilian guidelines, indicating that the concentrations of these elements in the crops do not pose a risk to human health.     

Associations of toenail arsenic, cadmium, mercury, manganese, and lead with blood pressure in the normative aging study

Background: Arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead are associated with cardiovascular disease in epidemiologic research. These associations may be mediated by direct effects of the metals on blood pressure (BP) elevation. Manganese is associated with cardiovascular dysfunction and hypotension in occupational cohorts.Objectives: We hypothesized that chronic arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead exposures elevate BP and that manganese lowers BP.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of associations between toenail metals and BP among older men from the Normative Aging Study (n = 639), using linear regression and adjusting for potential confounders.Results: An interquartile range increase in toenail arsenic was associated with higher systolic BP [0.93 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25, 1.62] and pulse pressure (0.76 mmHg; 95% CI: 0.22, 1.30). Positive associations between arsenic and BP and negative associations between manganese and BP were strengthened in models adjusted for other toenail metals.Conclusions: Our findings suggest associations between BP and arsenic and manganese. This may be of public health importance because of prevalence of both metal exposure and cardiovascular disease. Results should be interpreted cautiously given potential limitations of toenails as biomarkers of metal exposure.     

2013 - 2017年烟台市食品中镉、汞和砷的含量检测分析

目的 了解烟台市2 807份食品中镉、总汞和总砷的污染状况。方法 采用随机采样的方法于2013 - 2017年间采集烟台市售17类2 807份食品,依据国标规定的操作程序进行检测。结果 镉总体合格率为99.75%（2 770/2 777）。超标样品为6份梭子蟹和1份扇贝。藻类、水产品和食用菌镉含量较高,均值分别为0.756 mg/kg、0.0901 mg/kg和0.0487 mg/kg;乳及乳制品、水果及其制品和饮料镉含量较低,均值分别为0.000625 mg/kg、0.000142 mg/kg和未检出。总汞总体合格率为99.96%（2 666/2 667）。超标样品为1份姬松茸（干制品）。水产品、藻类和食用菌总汞含量较高,均值分别为0.0761 mg/kg、0.0310 mg/kg和0.0106 mg/kg。蔬菜及其制品、水果及其制品和饮料总汞含量较低,均值分别为0.000272 mg/kg、0.000195 mg/kg和未检出。总砷总体合格率为100%（2 677/2 677）。藻类、水产品和食用菌总砷含量较高,均值分别为35.410 mg/kg、1.0087 mg/kg和0.0575 mg/kg。豆类、蛋类和饮料总砷含量较低,均值分别为0.00467 mg/kg、未检出和未检出。2013 - 2017年镉检出率分别为77.84%、61.90%、62.06%、31.52%和28.33%。2013 - 2017年总汞检出率分别为13.77%、15.00%、29.76%、9.69%和14.44%。2013 - 2017年总砷检出率分别为14.77%、7.38%、45.57%、11.50%和12.68%。结论 烟台市2 807份食品中镉、总汞、总砷的污染水平较低。     

Direct atomic absorption spectrometry determination of arsenic,cadmium, copper,manganese, lead and zinc in vegetable oil and fat samples with graphite filter furnace atomizer

The article presents the results of optimization of operation parameters, investigation of analytical characteristics and the abilities of a graphite filter-furnace (FF) atomizer for the direct electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET AAS) determination of trace amounts of Mn, As, Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn in some vegetable oils and fats. The effect of pyrolysis and atomization temperatures of the graphite FF atomizer on atomic absorbance values of the listed elements at their evaporation from some organic solutions in the presence of a Pd-Mg chemical modifier (CM) was investigated. For the ET AAS determination of As, Pb, Cd and Zn with Pd-Mg CM, the temperature of the graphite FF atomizer for the pyrolysis step can be raised by 250–350 °C. This mode allows to eliminate the background absorption, to increase the sensitivity of the elements to be analyzed and to enhance the total content of vegetable oils or fats in organic solutions up to 0.5 g mL⁻¹. The obtained limits of quantification for Mn, As, Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn were 0.002, 0.004, 0.004, 0.002, 0.0008, 0.0004 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) varied between ∼3 and 8% and the time of one element determination did not exceed ∼3–5 min. The reliability of the proposed method was checked using the reference method. A paired Student's t-test showed no significant difference between the results obtained by both methods on a 95% confidence level.     

Mercury, cadmium, and lead levels in human placenta: a systematic review

Background: Placental tissue may furnish information on the exposure of both mother and fetus. Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) are toxicants of interest in pregnancy because they are associated with alterations in child development.Objectives: The aim of this study was to summarize the available information regarding total Hg, Cd, and Pb levels in human placenta and possible related factors.Methods: We performed a systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Lilacs, OSH, and Web of Science for original papers on total Hg, Cd, or Pb levels in human placenta that were published in English or Spanish (1976-2011). Data on study design, population characteristics, collection and analysis of placenta specimens, and main results were extracted using a standardized form.Results: We found a total of 79 papers (73 different studies). Hg, Cd, and Pb levels were reported in 24, 46, and 46 studies, respectively. Most studies included small convenience samples of healthy pregnant women. Studies were heterogeneous regarding populations selected, processing of specimens, and presentation of results. Hg concentrations > 50 ng/g were found in China (Shanghai), Japan, and the Faroe Islands. Cd levels ranged from 1.2 ng/g to 53 ng/g and were highest in the United States, Japan, and Eastern Europe. Pb showed the greatest variability, with levels ranging from 1.18 ng/g in China (Shanghai) to 500 ng/g in a polluted area of Poland.Conclusion: The use of the placenta as a biomarker to assess heavy metals exposure is not properly developed because of heterogeneity among the studies. International standardized protocols are needed to enhance comparability and increase the usefulness of this promising tissue in biomonitoring studies.     

微波消解等离子体质谱法测定各类食品中痕量汞、镉、铅、砷准确性探讨

目的 建立微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱法（ICP-MS）准确测定各类食品中痕量汞、镉、铅、砷的分析方法。方法 采用微波消解法处理样品,ICP-MS测定以^72Ge、^103Rh、^185Re作为内标消除非质谱干扰,八极杆碰撞池（ORS^3）消除质谱干扰。结果 采用本方法测定汞、镉、铅、砷的定量限分别为0.05、0.05、0.40、0.40μg/L;在定量限附近测定的回收率和相对标准偏差分别为：100.0%、90.0%、96.0%、112.0%和7.6%、8.0%、11.8%、6.2%。结论 采用ICP-MS法准确测定食品中痕量有害元素的关键点及控制措施,适用于食品安全风险监测大批量样品的分析。     

Dietary intake of trace elements in the general population, estimated from a regional nutritional survey, and comparison with recommended dietary allowances and tolerable upper intake levels

OBJECTIVES: Dietary intake by the general population of trace elements related to human health is not well known. Therefore, values for zinc, copper, manganese, chromium, selenium, molybdenum, cobalt and aluminum were estimated from food intake data from the 1993 Tottori Prefecture Nutritional Survey. For each element, consumption by the individual person was compared to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) and the tolerable upper intake level (UL). METHODS: Daily intake of trace elements by individuals was calculated from food intake data of 1993 Tottori Prefecture Nutrition Survey by computer program written by visual C++ using the trace element food table published by Suzuki (1993) and compared with RDA and UL values. RESULTS: 1. The percentage of people whose intake of zinc was lower than the RDA was 72.0%. Those for copper and manganese were 69.8% and 39.2%, respectively. Persons aged over 60 years consumed less of those trace elements. 2. Few people had a chromium intake lower than the RDA. The same was the case for molybdenum and selenium. However, 9.2% of people had on intake of chromium in excess of the UL, and for manganese, molybdenum and selenium the figures were 0.7%, 81.6% and 9.6%, respectively. 3. The major sources of the trace elements were cereals, fish, meats, vegetables and beans. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to investigate the reason for the low intake of zinc, copper and manganese. It is also to be recommended that food tables for trace elements be produced to feel compliance with the RDA and UL for trace elements.     

Spectrophotometric method for determination of aluminium content in water and beverage samples employing flow-batch sequential injection system

A sensitive, precise and reliable flow-batch method for the determination of aluminium (Al) was developed using a sequential injection-monosegmented flow system incorporating a mixing chamber unit. Eriochrome cyanine R (ECR) was used as a chromogenic reagent in the presence of N,N-dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB). The Al-ECR complex at pH 6 gave a maximum absorption at 584 nm. In-line single standard calibration and a standard addition procedure were developed employing the monosegmented flow technique. Under the optimum conditions, a linear calibration graph in the range of 0.0075–0.625 mg L⁻¹ Al was obtained with limits of detection and quantitation of 0.0020 and 0.0070 mg L⁻¹, respectively. Relative standard deviations were 0.8 and 1.3% for 0.010 and 0.025 mg L⁻¹ Al (n = 11), respectively. A sample throughput of 24 h⁻¹ using an in-line standard calibration approach and 6 h⁻¹ using four standard addition levels was achieved. The developed system was successfully applied to water samples and beverage samples. The results agreed well with those obtained from the ICP-AES method. Good recoveries between 85 and 104% were obtained.     

Synthesis and characterization of functionalized silica with 3,6-ditia-1,8-octanediol for the preconcentration and determination of lead in milk employing multicommuted flow system coupled to FAAS

Novel functionalized silica, containing 3,6-dithia-1,8-octanediol (Si-DIO), was synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of ¹³C and ²⁹Si. The Si-DIO was used to pre-concentrate and determine the amount of Pb(II) in milk samples employing a multicommuted flow system coupled to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). For the adsorption process, a pre-concentration minicolumn with 100 mg of Si-DIO, a solution of 0.005 mg L⁻¹ Pb(II) at pH 9.0 and HNO₃ as the eluent was used, obtaining an enrichment factor of 28 times with retention efficiency higher than 99%. The Pb(II) ion, using the multicommuted flow system coupled to FAAS, showed a linear response between 0.005 and 20.0 mg L⁻¹; a linear coefficient where r = 0.9939 and n = 7; a detection limit estimated at 0.001 mg L⁻¹ and a relative standard deviation of 3.8% (n = 50). Fifty pre-concentrations runs were tested in the minicolumn without significant variation in the analytical signal. The proposal system showed analytical applicability to determine Pb(II) ion in milk samples, presenting recovery of 90.7–102.5%.     

Selenium,zinc and copper in the Polish diet

The aim of the study was to assess daily dietary intakes of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in a representative group of Polish individuals using analytical and calculation method, and to determine the contents of Zn and Cu in different foodstuffs available on the Polish market, in order to complete our previous data on Se content in Polish food. Daily intakes of the microelements were assessed analytically in 469 daily food rations, 439 of which were collected from various public canteens and 30 by duplicate portion method from private individuals. Calculated daily intakes were obtained by analysing 157 diet recalls and by the use of our previous and current data on Se, Zn and Cu contents in food, including 235 different food products. Mean intakes in different groups, as shown analytically, ranged from 20 to 59 μg/day for Se, 3.2 to 13.5 mg/day for Zn and from 0.4 to 2.2 mg/day for Cu. Mean daily intakes calculated from 24-h diet recalls were lower than the majority of the mean values obtained analytically and amounted to 30 ± 11 μg for Se, 5.3 ± 1.8 mg for Zn and 0.8 ± 0.3 mg for Cu. Mean concentrations of Zn and Cu in food varied from 0.4 to 17.4 μg/g and from 0.3 to 7.2 μg/g, respectively.     

Relationship of lead and cadmium to essential elements in hair, teeth, and nails of environmentally exposed people

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the environmental exposure to Pb and Cd during 1990-1997 of inhabitants of Katowice District, which is an area of high environmental exposure to lead and cadmium, as well as exposure to Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cr, Ca, Na, and K, on the basis of concentrations in hair, teeth, and nails. This investigation was to explain if accumulation of Pb and Cd can affect the concentration of such essential metals as Fe, Zn, Cu, and Ca. Inhabitants of the Beskid area constituted a control group. Analysis of the aforementioned elements was carried out on 624 hair samples, 785-tooth- samples, and 338 nail samples taking into consideration sex, age (<15, 16-30, >30 years), and type of teeth (incisor, canine, molar, premolar). Concentrations of elements in the media investigated were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results were calculated using the Statistica program. The major statistical analysis focuses on determining analysis of variance by MANOVA/ANOVA, Rao R (P<0.05), Spjotvolla-Stoline'a test, and cluster analysis (1-Pearson r). The investigation revealed that among the media investigated, Pb concentration in hair is an environmental marker of exposure to this metal in the human organism and depends on sex and age. It was also observed that an increase in Pb concentration in hair causes a decrease in Fe and Ca concentrations and changes the ratios of essential metals: Fe/Cu, Fe/Zn, and Ca/Zn. It is concluded that not only in blood but also in the hair, lead significantly influences Ca and Fe. Analysis of nail samples of people living in Katowice District indicated that an increasing concentration of Pb decreases concentrations of copper and zinc. Increased accumulation of such metals as Ni, Cr, and Mn in teeth was observed for samples taken from inhabitants of Katowice District.     

Association of environmental exposure to heavy metals and eczema in US population: Analysis of blood cadmium,lead, and mercury

ABSTRACT

Objectives: We aim to explore the association between blood heavy metal concentrations of cadmium, lead, and mercury with ever-report of eczema in the US population.

Methods: We used NHANES cross-sectional data from 2005–2006. Eczema was measured among 4509 adults and 3898 non-adults. The association between eczema and tertiles of concentrations of cadmium, lead, mercury was estimated using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for different confounding variables. The estimation was also stratified by gender.

Results: The prevalence of ever-report of eczema was 7.63% in adults and 13.42% in non-adults. None of the heavy metals was significantly associated with increased ORs of eczema after potential confounding variables were adjusted in the models. Our results remained null after stratifying for gender.

Conclusions: Blood cadmium, lead, and mercury were not associated with reports of eczema in general US population.     

A comparison of the fat,sugar, and sodium contents in ready-to-heat type home meal replacements and restaurant foods in Korea

The aim of this study was to compare the fat, sugar, and sodium contents in ready-to-heat type home meal replacements (HMR) distributed in Korea to those found in restaurant foods. A total of 80 samples of HMR including three types of rice (n = 13), three types of porridge (n = 13), six types of soup (n = 25), and six types of stew (n = 29) were collected in 2019. The fat, total sugar, and sodium contents in HMR were determined, whereas those found in restaurant foods were obtained from the Korean food composition database. HMR tend to have similar or lower total saturated and total trans fatty acid contents, but a greater total sugar content as compared to those of restaurant foods. No distinct difference was observed in the sodium content between HMR and restaurant foods. The total saturated and total trans fatty acid contents and total sugar content per serving in both HMR and restaurant foods were at low levels (i.e., 1.9–22.2, 0.5–13.2, and 0.1–2.9 %, respectively) compared to their recommended maximum daily intake values, whereas their sodium content per serving was relatively higher (i.e., 20.4–101.9 % of the maximum daily intake value).     

Contamination levels of lead, cadmium and mercury in imported and domestic lobsters and large crab species consumed in France: Differences between white and brown meat

Lead, cadmium and total mercury contents have been determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in white and brown meat of 108 batches of crustaceans (lobsters, spider crabs, common crabs, swimming crabs and king crabs) collected in France between April and December 2009. With mean levels of 0.041, 0.132 and 0.128 mg kg⁻¹ for Pb, Cd and Hg, respectively, concentrations in white meat were systematically below the European legislation maximum level of 0.50 mg kg⁻¹. Cd concentration in the brown meat of common crabs (mean concentration: 11.8 mg kg⁻¹ and maximum of 14.3 mg kg⁻¹) was well above the observed levels for white meat. The consumption of one whole common crab of 1 kg (about 120 g of white and brown meat) would not contribute significantly to the Pb and Hg provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for adults, but the ingested Cd would greatly exceed the TWI of 2.5 μg kg⁻¹ body weight, which may be a health issue for consumers of brown meat. Therefore, we recommend moderate brown meat consumption.     

Heterocyclic aromatic amines in grilled beef: The influence of free amino acids,nitrogenous bases,nucleosides, protein and glucose on HAAs content

The aim of the study was to determine the content and profile of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) formed during the process of grilling beef under various conditions and involving different cuts of beef meat. 4,8-DiMeIQx was the most prevalent (4.50–7.55 ng g⁻¹) the next were: MeIQx (1.10–7.20 ng g⁻¹), MeIQ (1.70–5.30 ng g⁻¹), and IQ (0.38 2.00 ng g⁻¹). Changes in HAAs content, depending on the chemical composition of beef meat, were investigated; the compounds under analysis included free amino acids, glucose and protein as well as free nitrogenous bases and their nucleosides. It was demonstrated that HAAs formation strongly correlates with the presence of various amino acids in raw beef as well as that of glucose and protein (correlation coefficient 0.84–0.93). It was also demonstrated that free purine bases, pyrimidine bases and their nucleosides, which had never previously been studied in terms of their role as substrates for HAAs synthesis, correlate very strongly with HAA formation in grilled beef (correlation coefficient 0.78–0.99). The influence of thermal processing at high temperatures on the thermal decomposition of aminoimidazoazaarenes has not been corroborated by the present study.