POP levels in blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and edible fish from the eastern Mediterranean coast

Abstract

Organochlorinated pesticides and Aroclors were measured in the muscle of two edible fish species (gray mullet, sea bream) and blue crab, collected from eastern Mediterranean coast in 2013. The concentration of organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) and Aroclors in biota samples which were collected at six sites ranged from 1.0-8.6 and 9-47.5 ng g wet weight, respectively. Total DDT concentrations in seafood samples were compared to tolerance level established by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA); the concentrations were detected below the tolerence level. Health risk assessment was conducted related to the consumption of chemically contaminated seafood. The estimated daily intake of OCPs calculated by using the estimated daily fish consumption in Turkey was far below the acceptable daily intake as established by FAO/WHO. Our data indicated that consumption of blue crab, gray mullet, and sea bream collected from the Mediterranean coast of Turkey could pose "no risk" for human health in terms of OCPs.

Evaluation of PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs and PBDEs in sperm whales from the Mediterranean Sea

“…POP concentrations measured in the Mediterranean Sea reach this area by different pathways; among the most important of these are long-range transportation (LRT) from Asia (Lelieveld et al, 2002) and western, central and eastern Europe (Berrojalbiz et al, 2014;Iacovidou et al, 2009), and from river discharges and sedimentation (Albaigés, 2005;Gómez-Gutiérrez et al, 2006). In consequence, important POP levels are today reported for different animal species (Guerranti et al, 2014;Maisano et al, 2016;Muñoz-Arnanz et al, 2011;Pinzone et al, 2015;Roscales et al, 2016;Tekin and Pazi, 2017), which justifies unceasing research on these pollutants. Concern raises not only for emerging contaminants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), for which regulations on their use are more recent, but also for legacy chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).…”

Organochlorine Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Blue Crabs Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) from Akyatan Lagoon in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey.

“…A single study exists on the accumulation of persistent pollutants in the muscle tissues of two fish species (Sea bream and Grey mullet) and Blue crabs living in Akyatan Lagoon (Tekin & Pazi, 2017). According to that study, ten Blue crabs (C. sapidus) were collected in 2013 and quantitative analysis was performed with GC-MS.…”

When Nature Requires a Resource to Be Used—The Case of Callinectes sapidus: Distribution, Aggregation Patterns, and Spatial Structure in Northwest Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, and Adjacent Waters

“…This apparently applicable suggestion, however, leaves some doubts regarding the health aspect of the resource: Callinectes sapidus individuals do, in fact, live in both fresh [51] and brackish water and sea water and could therefore be subject to uncontrolled contamination by pollutants, particularly in estuaries and river mouths where industrial and domestic discharges are very likely to converge and where the species abounds. The accumulation of contaminants and microplastics in Atlantic blue crab tissues and the risks of their consumption by humans are reported in several studies from different parts of the world [52][53][54][55][56][57], although contamination levels vary depending on the location. This is why it is preferable not to give instructions in this regard to the many citizens who ask what to do in case of sighting or catching an Atlantic blue crab.…”