| Affiliation: | (1) Department of Hygiene and Public Health “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy;(2) Ketos Scientific Association, Viale Mario Rapisardi 210, 95100 Catania, Italy |
| Abstract: | Cadmium, lead, mercury and chromium concentrations in fish muscle tissue taken from various Sicilian areas were detected. Fish caught in Siracusa, nearby a petrochemical industrial area, were more contaminated by cadmium, lead and chromium (respectively 0.366, 0.32, 0.72 μg/g) than those from the other sites. In the Sicily Channel, we found the highest bioaccumulation of mercury (0.31 μg/g). Although some metals concentrations exceed the limits set by the European regulation, the estimated weekly intake was below the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake established by the European Food and Safety Authority, and the Target Hazard Quotient values indicate that there is no carcinogenic risk for humans. |
