Exposure to Metals through the Consumption of Fish and Seafood by the Population Living Near the Ebro River in Catalonia, Spain: Health Risks

Abstract

The health risks due to metal exposure from consuming various fish and seafood species were assessed for the Catalan population living near the Ebro River (Spain). The concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, manganese, nickel, and lead were determined in samples of mussel, clam, hake, sole, cuttlefish, sardine, and anchovy randomly acquired in various localities of the zone under evaluation. In general terms, metal concentrations were similar or lower than the levels recently reported in the literature. The current dietary intake of metals is analogous to that recently estimated for the non-exposed population of Catalonia. Metal exposure through fish and seafood consumption would only mean a slight increase of noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risk for arsenic, whereas the remaining elements showed risk values below the corresponding threshold levels.

Human Exposure to Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead from Foods in Catalonia, Spain: Temporal Trend

“…For this reason, to assess the risks derived from exposure to metals is an important issue to protect human health [1][2][3]. For the general population, dietary intake is the major source of exposure to metals.…”

Human health risk assessment of environmental and dietary exposure to natural radionuclides in the Catalan stretch of the Ebro River, Spain

“…In consequence, the concentrations of the analyzed radioisotopes do not pose either non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic risks for the residents living by the Ebro River in Catalonia. However, it is important to note that the present study is only a part of a more extensive environmental surveillance program carried out in the lower part of the Ebro River, where the risks derived from exposure to a series of chemical pollutants were also assessed (Ferre-Huguet et al 2008, 2009aNadal et al 2008). Consequently, the impact of selected radionuclides, such as 210 Pb and 210 Po, for human health should be added to those of metals and organochlorine compounds.…”

“…The daily intake of 210 Pb and 210 Po through food consumption (Bq day −1 ) was calculated by multiplying the concentration of radionuclides in foodstuffs (Bq g −1 ) by the average daily consumption of each food item (g day −1 ), which was recently reported Nadal et al 2008). The total daily intake of radionuclides was estimated as the sum of the intake through each individual item.…”

“…Samples of foodstuffs highly consumed by the local population were obtained in the same locations in 2006: samples of fish (sardine, anchovy, hake, sole, and cuttlefish) and shellfish (clam and mussel) captured from the surroundings of the Ebro Delta were randomly purchased from local markets/supermarkets (Nadal et al 2008). These species were chosen as representative of most of the fish and seafood consumption of the local population.…”

Dietary Exposure to Organochlorine Compounds in Tarragona Province (Catalonia, Spain): Health Risks

“…Fish and seafood, as well as vegetables, fruits, and rice are food groups with a high consumption among the population living in the riparian zone of the Ebro River in Tarragona Province (Catalonia, Spain). In a recent survey, we assessed the health risks derived from the dietary intake of metals by the population of the area (Nadal et al 2008;Ferré-Huguet et al 2008). Because most of these foodstuffs have a local origin, exposure to OC could also mean a risk for human health of that population.…”