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Metal Concentrations in Oysters Crassostrea gigas Cultured in the Gulf of California and Risk Assessment to Human Health

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the health risk of Cd, Cu, Pb, As, and Hg exposure through consumption of cultured oyster Crassostrea gigas from Sonoran coast. Metals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry, and the risk assessment was estimated according to the hazard quotient (HQ), carcinogenic risk (CR), and hazard index (HI). The mean levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, As, and Hg in oysters were 1.35, 7.69, 0.29, 0.07, and 0.04 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. Results indicate that except for Cd, all mean levels were below than those recommended by the Mexican government, FAO, and European Union. The metal levels were similar to those reported on the Pacific Northwest Coasts. For risk assessment, the HQ, CR, and HI values did not exceed safety levels. Therefore, the oysters cultivated in the studied areas are safe for human consumption.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by funds provided by Consejo Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca (CONAPESCA) 105PI0272. The authors would also like to thank the Instituto de Acuacultura del Estado de Sonora, Comité de Sanidad Acuícola del Estado de Sonora, and the oyster farmers for their logistical support.

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Correspondence to Leticia García-Rico.

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García-Rico, L., Tejeda-Valenzuela, L. Metal Concentrations in Oysters Crassostrea gigas Cultured in the Gulf of California and Risk Assessment to Human Health. Expo Health 12, 33–39 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12403-018-0281-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12403-018-0281-2

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