Metals, As and Se determination by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in edible fish collected from three eutrophic reservoirs. Their consumption represents a risk for human health?

Abstract

This study evaluated the concentration of Al, V, Cr, Mn, Zn, Fe, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Hg and Pb measured in muscle of Odontesthes bonariensis (silverside fish) captured from three eutrophic reservoirs in the Province of Córdoba (Argentina). For this purpose, an alternative digestion method was optimized for the mineralization of samples, and then inorganic elements were determined by ICP-MS. Potential human health risks, associated with the consumption of these elements, have been assessed estimating the average daily intake (EDI) in children and adults. Additionally, we evaluated the target hazard quotient (THQ) and the carcinogenic risk (CR) in both general population and fishermen. The consumption of edible muscles of Odontesthes bonariensis from three reservoirs pose a toxicological risk for humans, being Hg, As, and Pb the main elements increasing health risks through fish consumption. Furthermore, for both, general population and fishermen, the risk of cancer caused by As is greater than the acceptable lifetime risk of 10− 4. Our current results indicate that fish consumption from studied reservoirs should be extremely limited to minimize the potential health risks to consumers. Results from this study are helpful for pollution control and risk management of metals, mainly As, not only in Argentina but also in other areas around the world, with similar health problems associated with this metalloid consumption.