The evaluation of the content of metals and metalloids in particulate matter (PM) and in atmospheric deposition in areas impacted by local industries is essential from an environmental and health risk perspective. In this study, the PM10 levels and atmospheric deposition fluxes of potentially toxic metals and metalloids were quantified at three urban sites of the Cantabrian region (northern Spain), located at different distances downwind of a Mn alloy plant. The content of Mn, V, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Sb and Pb in PM10 and in the water-soluble and insoluble fractions of the deposition was determined by ICP-MS. Among the studied elements, the highest concentrations in PM10 and deposition rates were found for Mn, Fe, Zn and Pb, associated with the Mn alloy industry, and for Cu, related to non-exhaust traffic emissions. The levels of Mn, Fe, Zn and Pb in PM10 were higher in autumn, when the most frequent winds blow from the S-SW, whereas their highest deposition rates were found in winter and autumn, which are characterized by high monthly average precipitations. The water-soluble fraction of the atmospheric deposition of most metals increased with distance from the Mn alloy plant. The highest water-soluble fractions were found for Ni (72%), Zn (62%), Cu (60%) and Mn (49%). These results will be useful for the health risk assessment of the metal exposure associated with Mn alloy plants, as well as for the evaluation of the metal burden to soil, water and ecosystems related to this industrial activity. | This work was financially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) through the CTM2013-43904R Project. Ana Hernández-Pellón would like to thank the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) for the FPI grant awarded, reference number BES-2014-068790.

This study aimed to investigate the concentration of Cd, Ni, Cr, Pb and As in the tissues of Otolithes ruber and surface sediments in the Oman Sea. Trace element concentrations were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS) for ecological and health risk assessment. The results showed a significant difference in trace element concentrations of the liver, muscle and sediments between different stations (p < 0.05). Potential ecological risk index (PER) indicated very high risk for Cd at all stations. Estimated daily intake (EDI) for consumption of Otolithes ruber for Cr, Pb and As was lower than tolerable daily intake (TDI). The mean target hazard quotient (THQ) of Cd and Ni were higher than 1 at all stations. Target cancer risk (TR) for Ni and As were higher than the acceptable value range at all stations. Accordingly, the risk of cancer due to the long-term consumption of this fish can be concerned.

The major aim of this study was to investigate heavy metal content of edible fish in the PRD. Eleven species of fish (consisting of 711 individuals) [catfish (Clarias fuscus), tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), mandarin fish (Siniperca kneri), snakehead (Channa asiatiea), black bass (Micropterus salmoides), mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus), star snapper (Lutjanu stellatus), snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) and orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)] were collected for the analyses of heavy metals. Overall concentrations (mg/kg, ww) in the fish muscles were: As (0.03–1.53), Pb (0.03–8.62), Cd (0.02–0.06), Ni (0.44–9.75), Zn (15.7–29.5), Cr (0.22–0.65), Cu (0.79–2.26), Mn (0.82–6.91). Significant level of Pb were found in tilapia at all locations. It is recommended that heavy metal concentrations in different fish species must be determined on a regular basis in the future so as to reduce human health risks from acute and chronic food intoxication.