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Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Mullus barbatus from Sicily Channel and Risk-Based Consumption Limits

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Abstract

Our study is a preliminary step to evaluate water contamination of the Mediterranean Sea surrounding Lampedusa island and health risks for fish consumers. We analyzed muscle tissue of Mullus barbatus specimens to detect metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Results show the following average concentrations of heavy metals: Pb 0.035, Cd 0.001, Hg 0.027, Cr 0.524, As 27.01, Cu 0.433, Co 0.013, Ni 0.042, Se 0.487, V 0.072, U 0.055 and Zn 3.360 ppm. PAHs ranged from 0.250 to 13.16 ppb. A possible risk to human health was determined based on consumption limits data and the content of total PAHs in fillets of this species.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks to “Ketos” scientific association of Catania supporting us during sampling procedure, in particular to Dr Letterio Mario Tringali. Thanks also to the precious collaboration of Dr. Pasquale Di Mattia for helping in critically reviewing the medical English.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hygiene and Public Health “G.F.Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123, Catania, Italy

    Gea Oliveri Conti, Chiara Copat, Caterina Ledda, Maria Fiore, Roberto Fallico, Salvatore Sciacca & Margherita Ferrante

  2. Ketos Scientific Association, Viale Mario Rapisardi 220, 95100, Catania, Italy

    Chiara Copat

Authors
  1. Gea Oliveri Conti
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  2. Chiara Copat
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  3. Caterina Ledda
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  4. Maria Fiore
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  5. Roberto Fallico
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  6. Salvatore Sciacca
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  7. Margherita Ferrante
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Correspondence to Margherita Ferrante.

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Gea Oliveri Conti and Chiara Copat: equal contribution.

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Conti, G.O., Copat, C., Ledda, C. et al. Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Mullus barbatus from Sicily Channel and Risk-Based Consumption Limits. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 88, 946–950 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-012-0611-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-012-0611-1

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