Metal concentrations and toxicity in South African snoek (Thyrsites atun) and yellowtail (Seriola lalandi)

Bosch, Adina C.; O'Neill, Bernadette; Kerwath, Sven E.; Sigge, Gunnar O.; Hoffman, Louwrens C.

Metal concentrations and toxicity in South African snoek (Thyrsites atun) and yellowtail (Seriola lalandi)

2017

Bosch, Adina C. | O'Neill, Bernadette | Kerwath, Sven E. | Sigge, Gunnar O. | Hoffman, Louwrens C.

The concentrations of 16 metals were assessed in snoek(Thyrsites atun; n=20) and yellowtail (Seriola lalandi; n=37) sampled from the West and South-East coasts of South Africa. Variability was observed at both small (Al, Cr, Hg, Pb, Mn and Cu) and large (As and Cu) spatial scales while inter-specific examination revealed diverse metal concentrations in snoek (Higher levels: Cr, Mn, Co, Hg and Pb) and yellowtail (higher levels: Fe and Cu). Zn, As and Hg were positively correlated with yellowtail size with no such correlations in snoek. Mean concentrations of As (0.61mg·kg−1; 0.98mg·kg−1), Cd (0.008mg·kg−1; 0.004mg·kg−1), Hg (0.27mg·kg−1; 0.16mg·kg−1) and Pb (0.009mg·kg−1; 0.005mg·kg−1) for snoek and yellowtail respectively were within regulatory guidelines. However, 10% (n=2) of snoek exceeded Hg maximum allowable limit, suggesting caution and further investigation. Overall, two meals (150g) per week of snoek or larger yellowtail (12–15kg) can be safe for human (adult) consumption.

Показать больше [+]