Is frequent consumption of tuna fish safe? Evidence of liver damages in rats fed on red or white meat from tuna fish caught in the Gulf of Gab��s (Tunisian coast)

In recent years, a number of studies have clearly pointed out the nutritional benefits of fish consumption. However, some concerns about potential health risks derived from contaminants found in fish have also been raised. Therefore, balancing adequately the risks and benefits of fish consumption is currently a health key issue. As tuna fish represents a large part of the traditional food in some countries, the possible impact of tuna fish consumption on public health was investigated. Hepatic damages following consumption of tuna fish white (ordinary) or red (dark) muscle were evaluated in rat. Under our experimental conditions, feeding the animals for 60?days with white or, more markedly, red tuna meat resulted in 1) an elevated uric acid level in blood, 2) an accumulation of lead in liver, 3) an atrophy of liver, 4) an increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, and 5) an oxidative stress in liver including an increased level of lipids peroxidation and enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, liver histology revealed several abnormalities. These alterations could be attributed to both lead accumulation and high purine levels in tuna meat. We conclude that attention should be paid to a possible health impact of frequent and important consumption of tuna fish meat, especially the dark one.     

Alteration of male reproductive system in rats fed on red or white meat from tuna fish caught in the Gulf of Gab��s in Tunisian coast

Fish, a widely claimed healthy food for humans, could also pose problems to health due to (1) accumulation of pollutants, especially heavy metals, (2) presence of marine toxins such as tetrodotoxin, ciguatoxin or okadaic acid and (3) metabolic production of large amount of uric acid which may crystallize in kidney or in articulations. As tuna fish represents a large part of the traditional food in some countries, the possible impact of its consumption on public health was investigated, with special attention to biochemical and histological alterations related to the genital function. For that purpose, white or red muscle from tuna fish was added for 60 days to the diet of male rats, and attention was paid to biochemical and histological alterations related to the genital function. Feeding rats with white muscle, and much more markedly with red muscle known to be more metabolically active, resulted in (1) an elevated uric acid level in blood, (2) an increase in lead level in testis, (3) an atrophy of the genital tract, including testes, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles, (4) a lowering of plasma testosterone level, (5) a decrease in spermatozoids number and motility, (6) an oxidative stress in testes including an increase in lipids peroxidation level and enhanced superoxide-dismutase, catalase and glutathione-peroxidase activities. We conclude that consumption of tuna fish meat, especially the dark one, should be reduced.     

A Screening-Level Assessment of Lead, Cadmium, and Zinc in Fish and Crayfish from Northeastern Oklahoma, USA

The objective of this study was to evaluate potential human and ecological risks associated with metals in fish and crayfish from mining in the Tri-States Mining District (TSMD). Crayfish (Orconectes spp.) and fish of six frequently consumed species (common carp, Cyprinus carpio; channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus; flathead catfish, Pylodictis olivaris; largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides; spotted bass, M. punctulatus; and white crappie, Pomoxis annularis) were collected in 2001--2002 from the Oklahoma waters of the Spring River (SR) and Neosho River (NR), which drain the TSMD. Samples from a mining-contaminated site in eastern Missouri and from reference sites were also analyzed. Individual fish were prepared for human consumption in the manner used locally by Native Americans (headed, eviscerated, and scaled) and analyzed for lead, cadmium, and zinc. Whole crayfish were analyzed as composite samples of 5--60 animals. Metals concentrations were typically higher in samples from sites most heavily affected by mining and lowest in reference samples. Within the TSMD, most metals concentrations were higher at sites on the SR than on the NR and were typically highest in common carp and crayfish than in other taxa. Higher concentrations and greater risk were associated with fish and crayfish from heavily contaminated SR tributaries than the SR or NR mainstems. Based on the results of this and previous studies, the human consumption of carp and crayfish could be restricted based on current criteria for lead, cadmium, and zinc, and the consumption of channel catfish could be restricted due to lead. Metals concentrations were uniformly low in Micropterus spp. and crappie and would not warrant restriction, however. Some risk to carnivorous avian wildlife from lead and zinc in TSMD fish and invertebrates was also indicated, as was risk to the fish themselves. Overall, the wildlife assessment is consistent with previously reported biological effects attributed to metals from the TSMD. The results demonstrate the potential for adverse effects in fish, wildlife, and humans and indicate that further investigation of human health and ecological risks, to include additional exposure pathways and endpoints, is warranted.This study was conducted by the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and cooperating organizations and government agencies. All field and laboratory procedures conformed to the “Guidelines for the use of fishes in research” of the American Fisheries Society (AFS), Institute of Fishery Research Biologists (AIFRB), and American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH) Use of Fishes in Research Committee (AFS, AIFRB, and ASIH 2004), and with all USGS and CERC guidelines for the humane treatment of test organisms during culture and experimentation. Use of trade names does not constitute USGS or U.S. government endorsement.     

Heavy metals in three commercially valuable cyprinids in the river Panjkora,district Lower Dir,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,Pakistan

This study was conducted in river Panjkora (Khall, upstream; Timergara, downstream) and its tributary (Konhaye stream, reference site) at district Lower Dir. The study was aimed to assess heavy metal load in gills, liver, kidneys, and muscles of three fish species, namely Schizothorax esocinus, Racoma labiata, and Crossocheilus diplocheilus. The heavy metals, including nickel, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, chromium, iron, and manganese were determined using an atomic absorption spect-rophotometer. Nickel and cadmium were not detected in any of the collected specimens at all sampling sites. Concentration of the detected metals varied significantly depending upon fish species and tissue type. Crossocheilus diplocheilus showed higher accumulated concentration of heavy metals while R. labiata contained the least. Schizothorax esocinus and R. labiata displayed significant differences in their concentrations of metals. The order of accumulation of heavy metals in different tissues was liver>kidneys>muscles>gills. Data demonstrated that heavy metal levels in the studied species were within permissible limits and thus, apparently suitable for human consumption. Currently, the river contains a sewage burden, and continued heavy pollution may ultimately lead to serious problems in the future.     

A Comparative Study On the Levels of Trace Metals in Some Mediterranean and Red Sea Fishes

Samples of Mugil cephalus, Liza ramada, Siganus luridus, Siganus rivulatus, Epinephelus alexandrinus, Epinephelus areolatus, Epinephelus fasciatus, Epinephelus chlorostigma, Cephalopholis argus and Cephalopholis sonnerati were collected from the Mediterranean and Red Seas and their muscle and bone analyzed by AAS for some trace metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb). the results showed that these metals accumulate in the bones to a greater extent than in the muscle. the highest accumulated element is cobalt (4.7-20.8 times), while the lowest is lead (1.1-2.5 times). the accumulation is more pronounced in Red Sea species than in Mediterranean species. the elevated levels of lead in Mugil cephalus (2.6-3.0 mg kg^-1) and Epinephelus alexandrinus (3.0-3.9 mg kg^-1) were attributed to the intake in food in the polluted environment of Alexandria coastal water. the relationship between body size and concentration of trace metals using a standard linear regression technique gives a significant positive correlation for cobalt, manganese, iron and lead in the muscle, as well as for lead in the bones of Mugil species from the Red Sea, while the Mediterranean species showed little correlation.

There is a tendency for increased concentrations of the essential metals manganese, iron and copper with increasing trophic level of the fish, while the opposite is true for the toxic metals chromium and lead. Our results indicate that there is no risk from toxic metal concentrations in muscle of fish from the Mediterranean and Red Seas consumed by man even in contaminated areas.     

Trace metals in fish of economic interest from the west of Alexandria,Egypt

The concentration of some heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the muscle, liver, and gills in eight fish species, Caranx crysos, Euthynnus alleferatus, Scomberomorus commerson, Sphyraena viridensis, Sargus sargus, Siganus rivulatus, Mugil species, and Sardinella aurita were collected seasonally from the Mediterranean Sea in the region of Alexandria. The highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn were measured in liver tissue, while gill tissue yielded the highest concentrations of Mn, Ni, and Pb. Muscle is the organ of poor accumulation factor for all metals under investigation. Concentration of cadmium in muscle in Mugil species exceeds the permissible limit in summer, while Siganus rivulatus exceeds it in the summer and autumn seasons. On the other hand, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc are still much lower than the permissible levels. The metal pollution index (MPI) for metals was studied, revealing that Siganus rivulatus, Mugil species and Sardinella aurita had the highest MPI. Provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) indicates that the concentration levels of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the muscle of all fish species under investigation are much lower than recommended PTDI values, and accordingly there is no risk for the human consumption of these fish species.     

Human health impacts of exposure to metals through extreme consumption of fish from the Colombian Caribbean Sea

The health risks of metal exposure due to the high consumption of fish were assessed for a riverine population living on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The concentrations of metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the edible tissues of fish were determined and used for risk assessment. The daily fish consumption of residents (n = 95) was as high as 283, 366 and 469 g/day in children (CH), women of childbearing age (WCHA) and the remaining population groups (RP), respectively. The estimation of the potential risk (HQ) indicated that there was no health risk from most of the metals, because they did not exceed their related reference doses, with values of HQ < 1. Although the concentrations of Pb and Hg were not particularly high in fish (<0.2 µg/g), their possible health effects for vulnerable groups are of great concern due to the extremely high fish intake. The Pb intake for all groups was higher than the lower confidence limit of the benchmark dose for nephrotoxicity and neurodevelopmental effects in children. The weekly intake of methylmercury was also elevated, with values approximately 3, 2 and 1.5 times the provisional tolerable weekly intake for CH, WCHA and RP, respectively. Moreover, higher Hg levels were found in top predators, whereas maximum levels for other metals were found in bottom-feeding fish. This study highlights that an accurate data of daily intake, a continuous monitoring of metals in fish and their related fish consumption advisories to protect subsistence fishing communities are recommended in a local and worldwide context.     

粤北星子河水生生物体内重金属污染特征及健康风险

本文分析了粤北星子河12种水生生物样品中Cd、Cr、Cu、Pb、Ni和Zn等6种金属元素的含量水平。利用综合污染指数法和目标危害系数法对水生生物中重金属的污染特征及其健康风险进行评价。结果表明:不同水生生物对重金属的富集程度存在明显差异,重金属的含量水平从低到高顺序依次为:CdNiPbCrCuZn;鱼类富集重金属明显低于贝类。在贝类样品中,Cr、Pb和Zn的含量均出现超标现象。鱼类重金属综合污染指数低于1,属于微污染;而田螺重金属综合污染指数大于1,属于轻度污染水平。不同鱼类中重金属的复合健康危害系数(TTHQ)均小于1,且每周评估摄入量(EDI)均远低于暂定每周允许摄入量(PTWI),居民通过鱼类摄入重金属的健康风险较低;田螺中重金属对人的复合健康危害系数大于1,长期食用田螺存在较高的健康风险,风险较高的重金属元素为Cr、Pb和Zn。     

Spatio-temporal variability in fatty acid trophic biomarkers in stomach contents and muscle of Iberian sardine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sardina pilchardus</Emphasis>) and its relationship with spawning

Temporal variation in the fatty acid (FA) composition of stomach contents of Iberian sardines was compared to the relative contribution to dietary carbon made by different prey types for fish from two areas off Portugal. The effect of the FA content of the diet on sardine muscle FA composition was also studied, aiming at (1) analysing if FA biomarkers can be used as a complementary technique for the study of sardine diet and (2) to relate spatial and temporal variations of prey FA content with sardine condition and reproduction. Significant spatial differences in the FA composition of sardine diet occurred with concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated FA, namely eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA, 20:5n-3] and linolenic acid 18:3n-3, being significantly higher in the diet of sardines from the west coast, whilst the diet of sardines from the south coast was richer in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), namely the carnivory biomarker oleic acid 18:1n-9. These results are in agreement with the higher contribution made by diatoms and dinoflagellates to the diet of sardines off the west coast. Spatial variation in sardine dietary FA was also detected in their muscle composition, specifically for EPA, and the eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic acid and (n-3)/(n-6) ratios, which were higher in sardines from the west coast. No difference in FA composition was detected between sexes, and the seasonal variability in sardine total FA concentration was primarily related to the seasonality of spawning. Sardines accumulate high concentrations of FAs during the resting stage of reproduction when the feeding intensity is similar or lower to that observed during the spawning season. Additionally, sardines show a high selective retention of MUFA and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) throughout the year except at the beginning of the spawning season, when these FAs are largely invested in the formation of the gonads. Therefore, temporal and regional differences of prey environments are strong enough to be reflected in fish body composition, namely on the accumulation of essential FAs, which can have a strong impact on reproduction success for this species.     

滦河流域鲫鱼体内重金属分布及风险评价

采集滦河流域鲫鱼样本并分析重金属元素(Cu、Zn、Cr、Pb、As、Cd)在其体内的分布特征及食用风险。实验结果表明鲫鱼体内重金属含量由高到低顺序为ZnCrCuPbAsCd,蓄积器官主要为肝脏和鳃部,Cu和Cr主要蓄积在肝脏,Zn、Pb、Cd主要富集在鳃部,As的蓄积器官随地域变化,而且下游样本中各组织器官重金属含量下游高于上游。针对鲫鱼肌肉的评价表明,Zn、Cr、Pb含量超出《无公害食品水产品中有毒有害物质限量》(NY5073—2006)、《食品污染物限量》(GB2762—2012)和《食品中锌限量卫生标准》(GB 13106—1991)规定的标准限值,超出倍数依次为Cr(3.34)Pb(2.24)Cd(1.15)。基于目标危险系数法(THQ)评价结果表明鲫鱼肌肉组织单一重金属THQ值均小于1,As导致的健康风险最高,Cr最低;总风险系数(TTHQ)显示下游的溯河(TTHQ=1.263)与陡河(TTHQ=1.381)存在食用风险,风险比重较高的元素是As、Pb、Zn。     

Risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in shrimp farming in Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong

An ecological survey was carried out to determine the sediment concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish and shrimp including tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus×O. nilotica), grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), gei wai shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis) and caridean shrimp (Macrobrachium nipponensis) in the traditional tidal shrimp ponds (gei wais) of Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong. The sediments collected from the landward sites contained higher nutrient contents, as well as zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd) than those collected from the seaward sites, but vice versa for lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg). However, the concentrations of all metals were exceptionally high in the two sites located outside the reserve, suggesting that waters from Deep Bay might be the possible source of metal contamination affecting the reserve. All metals studied seemed to accumulate in the viscera of fish. Body size was the determining factor for the accumulation of heavy metals in caridean shrimp and gei wai shrimp but not fish. Concentrations of the metals studied in tissues of grey mullet and gei wai shrimp were found to be safe for human consumption. Concentrations of Cr in tilapia whole body (0.68–1.10 mg kg⁻¹ wet weight) were close to or over the guideline value of 1 mg kg⁻¹ set by the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations of Hong Kong. Tilapia flesh and small caridean shrimp collected from gei wais were contaminated by Cr and Pb but still fit for human consumption. Caution is required if large caridean shrimp is to be consumed in large amounts continuously because the concentration of Pb exceeded the maximum permitted concentration (6 mg kg⁻¹). The rather high Cr concentrations in tilapia whole body should not be overlooked as the fish will serve as a food source for migratory birds visiting the site.     

Biologie du chinchard de la Mer Noire (Trachurus mediterraneus ponticus)

The carbohydrate and oxidative metabolism of the lateral musculature and of the liver was investigated in two Black Sea fishes. In Trachurus mediterraneus ponticus, muscular work leads to an intensification of glycolysis in the white muscle, and of oxidation in the red muscle as well as in the liver. Extirpation of the lateral red muscle provokes strong disturbances of muscle performance (without affecting the double character of contraction); the glycogen content of the white muscle decreases, while the lactate content of the liver increases. Hypoxic conditions lead, within a short time, to disturbances of the oxidative capacity in the red muscle and in the liver. In Gobius melanostomus, the effects of hypoxy or of muscular work are less pronounced. In isolated mixed muscle strips of Trachurus, contractions lead to a decrease of glycogen content in the red portion only. In isolated red muscle strips, the glycogen content rises during the incubation. These results are interpreted as supporting the hypothesis of a metabolic role of the lateral red muscle in fishes as energy source for the white muscle and as oxidative site for the catabolites of the latter.     

Heavy-metal distribution and risk assessment of sediment and fish from El-Mex Bay, Alexandria, Egypt

Heavy metals are increasingly being released into natural waters from geological and anthropogenic sources. The distribution of several heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Hg) was investigated in muscle, gill, and liver in two different fish species seasonally collected in El-Mex Bay (autumn 2004-summer 2005). In order to evaluate the pollution status of the Bay, the concentrations of the selected metals in the labile and total fractions were analysed in sediment samples collected from eight sites in El-Mex Bay during autumn 2004. Also, the Index of Geoaccumulation (I_geo) for the sediment was estimated. The total and labile fractions of the selected metals in sediment samples were 15.2 and 62.8 μg g^-1 dw for Cu, 1.8 and 5.0 μg g^-1 dw for Cd, 79.1 and 130.3 μg g^-1 dw for Zn, 0.2 and 1.2 μg g^-1 dw for Hg, 35.8 and 93.0 μg g^-1 dw for Pb, and 13.9 and 31.0 μg g^-1 dw for Cr. The concentrations of all metals were lower in flesh than those recorded in liver and gill due to their physiological roles. The metal pollution index for fish was calculated. Health hazard calculations for the contaminated sediments and fish consumption were calculated to evaluate the effect of pollution on health.     

氯吡嘧磺隆和镉复合对斑马鱼肝脏的影响

为了探究污染物镉和氯吡嘧磺隆复合污染对非靶标生物斑马鱼的毒性作用,通过急性毒性试验,获得镉和氯吡嘧磺隆对斑马鱼的LC50.以LC25作为0水平,设置9个处理组进行试验,检测不同处理组斑马鱼96 h死亡率、斑马鱼肝脏中CAT、MDA和羧酸酯酶CarE.检测结果表明,镉和氯吡嘧磺隆对斑马鱼存在交互作用,当水体中镉浓度为3....     

Probabilistic framework for assessing the arsenic exposure risk from cooked fish consumption

Geogenic arsenic (As) contamination of groundwater is a major ecological and human health problem in southwestern and northeastern coastal areas of Taiwan. Here, we present a probabilistic framework for assessing the human health risks from consuming raw and cooked fish that were cultured in groundwater As-contaminated ponds in Taiwan by linking a physiologically based pharmacokinetics model and a Weibull dose–response model. Results indicate that As levels in baked, fried, and grilled fish were higher than those of raw fish. Frying resulted in the greatest increase in As concentration, followed by grilling, with baking affecting the As concentration the least. Simulation results show that, following consumption of baked As-contaminated fish, the health risk to humans is <10^?6 excess bladder cancer risk level for lifetime exposure; as the incidence ratios of liver and lung cancers are generally acceptable at risk ranging from 10^?6 to 10^?4, the consumption of baked As-contaminated fish is unlikely to pose a significant risk to human health. However, contaminated fish cooked by frying resulted in significant health risks, showing the highest cumulative incidence ratios of liver cancer. We also show that males have higher cumulative incidence ratio of liver cancer than females. We found that although cooking resulted in an increase for As levels in As-contaminated fish, the risk to human health of consuming baked fish is nevertheless acceptable. We suggest the adoption of baking as a cooking method and warn against frying As-contaminated fish. We conclude that the concentration of contaminants after cooking should be taken into consideration when assessing the risk to human health.     

Determination of cytotoxic,genotoxic, and oxidative damage from deltamethrin on primary hepatocyte culture of Lake Van fish,Alburnus tarichi

ABSTRACT

Deltamethrin is a widely used pyrethroits worldwide. Although the chemical is used to combat insects, it has effects on other non-target organisms. Deltamethrin is extensively used in agriculture, animal husbandry, and domestic areas in the Lake Van basin. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and oxidative damage from deltamethrin on the primary hepatocyte culture of Lake Van fish (Alburnus tarichi). In this study, the toxic effects of different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10?µM) of deltamethrin in the primary hepatocyte culture of Lake Van fish were investigated via liver enzymes aspartase aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and DNA damage (8-OHdG).

Deltamethrin caused an increase in the AST and ALT levels dependent on the dosage and time. The TAS and TOS levels increased at the end of 24?h and there was no difference at the end of 48?h. Deltamethrin did not affect the MDA level, but increased the 8-OHdG (P?<?0.05). In conclusion, it can be said that high doses of deltamethrin (1 and 10?µM) have a toxic effect on the primary hepatocyte culture of Lake Van fish.     

Effect of a popular Middle Eastern food (Falafel) on rat liver

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of short-term consumption of oil and frying oil extracted from falafel patties, and then to study the long-term effect of consumption of falafel patties on rat liver gross morphology and serum liver enzymes. The frying oil quality was assessed using thiobarbituric acid reaction on rat liver homogenate. Frying oil and oil extracted from falafel patties were administered to male Wistar albino rats via gavage for 5 days. Blood samples were collected and the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and bilirubin levels were determined. Livers were weighed and gross morphology was assessed. For the long-term effect of falafel consumption, rats were fed falafel patties for 30 days, and then blood samples were collected and assayed for the above-mentioned parameters. Short-term consumption of falafel extracts and frying oil did not cause any significant difference in the liver function tests and liver gross morphology. Whereas, long-term consumption of falafel patties caused a significant increase in ALP, ALT, bilirubin level and increased liver weight/body weight ratio denoting hepatotoxicity. This indicates that consumption of large amounts of falafel on daily basis might lead to hepatotoxicity.     

Observations on metal concentrations in commercial landings of two species of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus and Oreochromis niloticus) from reservoirs in six river basins in Sri Lanka

Samples of the muscle of two species of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus and O. niloticus; 17–20 cm length) were obtained from at least one reservoir in each of the six river basins (Aruvi Aru, Kala Oya, Kirindi Oya, Ma Oya, Mahaweli, and Walawe Ganga catchments) in Sri Lanka. The metals Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and Zn were consistently detected in the muscle tissue. Overall, there were few differences in the concentration of metals between the two species of fish, although there were also some statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the concentrations of some metals in fish obtained from some of the reservoirs. Aruvi Aru stands out as a river basin in which the two fish species have significantly lower concentration of metals when compared to other river basins. The concentration of the metals studied were below WHO and FSANZ guideline values for fish, suggesting that the consumption of the metals found in tilapia from these reservoirs poses little risk to human health.     

Heavy metals,occurrence and toxicity for plants: a review

Metal contamination issues are becoming increasingly common in India and elsewhere, with many documented cases of metal toxicity in mining industries, foundries, smelters, coal-burning power plants and agriculture. Heavy metals, such as cadmium, copper, lead, chromium and mercury are major environmental pollutants, particularly in areas with high anthropogenic pressure. Heavy metal accumulation in soils is of concern in agricultural production due to the adverse effects on food safety and marketability, crop growth due to phytotoxicity, and environmental health of soil organisms. The influence of plants and their metabolic activities affects the geological and biological redistribution of heavy metals through pollution of the air, water and soil. This article details the range of heavy metals, their occurrence and toxicity for plants. Metal toxicity has high impact and relevance to plants and consequently it affects the ecosystem, where the plants form an integral component. Plants growing in metal-polluted sites exhibit altered metabolism, growth reduction, lower biomass production and metal accumulation. Various physiological and biochemical processes in plants are affected by metals. The contemporary investigations into toxicity and tolerance in metal-stressed plants are prompted by the growing metal pollution in the environment. A few metals, including copper, manganese, cobalt, zinc and chromium are, however, essential to plant metabolism in trace amounts. It is only when metals are present in bioavailable forms and at excessive levels, they have the potential to become toxic to plants. This review focuses mainly on zinc, cadmium, copper, mercury, chromium, lead, arsenic, cobalt, nickel, manganese and iron.     

Trace Metals in Fish and Crustaceans - Identifying Heavier Polluted Areas in the Ghanaian Continental Shelf

Abstract

The concentrations of four trace metals, namely copper, lead, cadmium and manganese, were determined in six fish species and three crustaceans collected from five sites spanning over 70% of the Ghanaian coastline.

Copper and lead were determined in Barracuda (Spraena spraena), the Ribbon fish (Trichiurus lepturus), the Sardine (Sardinella spp), the Sole (Cynoflossus senegalensis), the Sea Bream (Pagrus coupei) and the Soldier fish (Cynapastas marmuratus). Cadmium and manganese were analyzed in the Blue Crab (Callinectes sepidus), the Spiny lobster (Panilirus regius) and the edible shrimp (Crago septempinosus). Sampling sites included Takoradi, Elmina, Cape Coast, Accra and Tema.

Lead and copper in the fishes ranged 0.25-0.94 μgg^?1 fresh weight and 0.40-2.54 μgg^?1 dry weight (FW) respectively whilst cadmium and manganese in the crustaceans ranged 0.05-0.083 μgg^?1 FW and 0.554-1.404 μgg^?1 FW respectively.

The Barracuda accumulated the greatest amount of metals whilst the sardine accumulated the least. with the crustaceans, there was a significant difference between the amounts of the metals accumulated. the blue crab accumulated the greatest and the edible shrimp the least.

The analysis showed that: (i) there was a positive correlation between the metals bioconcentrated and the extent of pollution of the marine waters and (ii) along the Ghanaian Continental Shelf, the extent of pollution was of the increasing order as: Elmina = Cape Coast < Takoradi < Accra < Tema. Pollution of the marine waters could be minimized by control of flow of pollutants from land based activities.