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

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

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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 (0.61 mg·kg− 1; 0.98 mg·kg− 1), Cd (0.008 mg·kg− 1; 0.004 mg·kg− 1), Hg (0.27 mg·kg− 1; 0.16 mg·kg− 1) and Pb (0.009 mg·kg− 1; 0.005 mg·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 (150 g) per week of snoek or larger yellowtail (12–15 kg) can be safe for human (adult) consumption.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)360-365
Number of pages6
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume122
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fish muscle
  • ICP-MS
  • Metals
  • Seriola lalandi
  • Thyrsites atun
  • Toxicity

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