Risk assessment of some toxic metals in canned fish products retailed in Mansoura, Egypt.

Background: Canned fish products are widely consumed in Egypt, particularly for protein-rich meals that are quick to prepare and low in calories. Canned fish products are contaminated with toxic metals from the fish itself or from canning materials during processing. Aim: To determine the residual levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), aluminum (Al), and Tin (Sn) in some canned fish products obtained from retail shops in Mansoura, Egypt. Furthermore, noncarcinogenic health risks evaluation for the Egyptian population due to hazardous metal oral intake. Methods: One hundred canned fish products (20 each of herring, mackerel, salmon, sardine, and tuna) were collected from May to September 2023, and canned fish products were obtained from Mansoura city markets in Egypt. Samples were digested in a solution composed of 60% nitric acid and 40% perchloric acid, and then an atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for the detection of selected toxic metals. Results: It was found that the residual level of hazardous metals exceeded the acceptability level established in the European Union for Pb, Cd, and Hg by 20%, 10%, and 10%, 15%, 5%, and 20%, 35%, 30%, and 45%, 25%, 25%, and 40%, in examined herring, mackerel, sardine, and tuna, respectively. In contrast, all salmon samples were accepted for Pb and Hg, and only 5% were not accepted due to a higher Cd level than the maximum permissible limit. The average estimated daily intake of (EDI) is below the tolerable daily intakes (TDIs) for all metals. Comparatively, the EDI of Hg was 0.265 µg/kg body weight (B.W) exceeded TDIs 0.228 µg/kg B.W. The hazard index for canned tuna and sardines is more than one. Conclusion: Canned fish products are contaminated with a variety of toxic metals, especially sardine and tuna. Therefore, it is advised to decrease the consumption rate of such fish products.

Fishmeal replacement by periphyton reduces the fish in fish out ratio and alimentation cost in gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata.

Aquaculture threatens natural resources by fishing down the sea to supply fishmeal. Alternative protein sources in aquafeeds can provide a solution, particularly those that are waste from other operations and thereby reduce feed production costs. Toward this goal, we examined the waste biomass of marine periphyton from biofilters of an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system as a replacement for fishmeal in diets of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Four isoproteic (41%) and isolipidic (16.7%) aquafeeds were formulated with increased content of periphyton and a corresponding decrease in fishmeal from 20 to 15, 10, or 0%. The growth and biochemical content of seabream fingerlings (initial body weight 10 g) were examined over 132 days. Replacing 50% of fishmeal by waste periphyton improved feed conversion ratio (1.2 vs. 1.35 in the control diet) without harming fish growth. The complete replacement of fishmeal with periphyton resulted in 15% slower growth but significantly higher protein content in the fish flesh (59 vs. 52% in the control diet). Halving fishmeal content reduced feed cost by US$ 0.13 kg-1 feed and saved 30% in the cost of conversion of feed to fish biomass (US$ 0.58 kg-1 produced fish vs. $0.83 in the control diet). Finally, the total replacement of fishmeal by waste periphyton in the diet reduced the fish in-fish out ratio to below 1 (0.5-0.9) as compared to 1.36 in the control diet. Replacing fishmeal with on-farm produced periphyton minimizes aquaculture footprint through the removal of excess nutrients in effluents and the use of waste biomass to reduce the 'fish in' content in aquafeeds and fish production costs. The present study demonstrates the great practical potential of this dual use of marine periphyton in enhancing the circular economy concept in sustainable fish production.

Comparative assessment of amino acids composition in two types of marine fish silage.

Fish silage is a brown liquefied product achieved by the action of enzymes when finely grounded whole/parts of either single or mixed fish types are subjected to acidification. This study made a comparative assessment of biochemical and nutritive properties, especially the amino acid composition in supernatant phase of formic acid silages prepared from two fish types, Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) and false travely (Lactarius lactarius) representing fat fish (FF, fat content > 5%) and lean fish (LF, fat content < 5%), respectively during 35 days of fermentation (DoF). Significantly higher content of total amino acid (TAA) and free amino acids (FAA) were recorded in FFS (TAA, 41.2 ± 0.03 mg/g; FAA, 31.3 ± 0.003 mg/g) compared to LFS (TAA, 35.8 ± 0.07 mg/g; FAA, 18.26 ± 0.003 mg/g; FAA, 31.3 ± 0.003 mg/g) (p < 0.05). At the end of 35 DoF, the concentrations of amino acids such as asparagine, histidine, isoleucine, valine, cysteine, serine, lysine and arginine were significantly higher in FFS as compared to LFS. The relative amino acid composition of FFS and LFS varied in accordance with DoF and the relationship was found to be highly significant (ANOVA, p < 0.00001). High concentrations of L-amino acids such as leucine, glutamic acid and arginine were recorded in both FFS and LFS. In conclusion, the analysis suggested that a fermentation period of 25-30 days showed a significant effect on the composition of amino acids in both types of ensilage compared to other fermentation periods (p < 0.05). Considering the role of amino acids in enhancing the plant growth and proliferation, the findings of the present study are quite useful.

Classification of transformed anchovy products based on the use of element patterns and decision trees to assess traceability and country of origin labelling.

Quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS) and direct mercury analysis were used to determine the elemental composition of 180 transformed (salt-ripened) anchovies from three different fishing areas before and after packaging. To this purpose, four decision trees-based algorithms, corresponding to C5.0, classification and regression trees (CART), chi-squareautomatic interaction detection (CHAID), and quick unbiased efficient statistical tree (QUEST) were applied to the elemental datasets to find the most accurate data mining procedure to achieve the ultimate goal of fish origin prediction. Classification rules generated by the trained CHAID model optimally identified unlabelled testing bulk anchovies (93.9% F-score) by using just 6 out of 52 elements (As, K, P, Cd, Li, and Sr). The finished packaged product was better modelled by the QUEST algorithm which recognised the origin of anchovies with F-score of 97.7%, considering the information carried out by 5 elements (B, As, K. Cd, and Pd). Results obtained suggested that the traceability system in the fishery sector may be supported by simplified machine learning techniques applied to a limited but effective number of inorganic predictors of origin.

Endocrine-disrupting organochlorine xenobiotics in fish products imported from Asia-an assessment of human health risk.

The sources of endocrine-disrupting persistent organochlorine compounds (OC) are environmental pollutants. Contaminated food is a direct result of environmental pollution, and fish are considered as the main source of OC in the human diet. This study aimed to analyze the contamination of imported fish fillets with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in the context of potential health risks of consumers in Poland in the light of the new tolerable weekly intake (TWI) values. The tested compounds in fish products were determined by liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GS-MS) method. Despite the detection of almost all pesticides analyzed in the fish fillets tested, the risk factor (hazard quotient) was significantly lower than 1.0, ranging from 0.003 to 0.013. Considering the previous recommended TWI value (14 pg-TEQ/kg bw/week), the estimated weekly intake was lower at 43-53% of TWI. However, according to the new TWI values set by the EFSA in 2018, the estimated weekly intake was about three times higher than the TWI. This raises concerns regarding threats to consumer health.

Fish-Based Baby Food Concern-From Species Authentication to Exposure Risk Assessment.

In this work, two different but complementary approaches were used to evaluate the reliability of fish-based baby foods as a source of safe nourishment for babies. More specifically, barcoding analysis based on the Cytochrome Oxidase I sequences was used for fish species authentication and an analysis of metal/metalloid levels was performed to estimate the exposure risk assessment derived from consumption of selected fish-based baby food in infants and toddlers. COI DNA barcoding revealed that in three samples the species detected did not match the common name of the species shown on the label. In particular, G. chalcogrammus and M. australis were found in place of M. merluccius and O. mykiss was found in place of S. salar. The analysis of exposure risk assessment indicated a low risk for developing chronic systemic and carcinogenic effects in infants and toddler, under an exposure scenario based on daily consumption of a single box of fish-based baby food. However, it is important to highlight that in order to provide a comprehensive risk assessment it would be important to supplement the levels of exposure resulting from the total diet. Overall, our results suggest that more attention should be paid by authorities to ensure the safety of food for infants and toddlers.

Human Health Risk Assessment with Reference to the Consumption of Shrimp and Marine Fish.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Meghna river estuary plays a major role in the national fish production and is being connected to other channels that might accelerate the magnification of heavy metals in human tissue through the food chain after fish consumption. Therefore present study aimed to elucidate possible human health risks should people consume fishes from this river. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 5 heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd and Cr) in 6 being exported and highly consumed fish species (Lates calcarifer, Penaeous monodon, Encrasicholina heteroloba, Polynemus paradiseus, Sillaginopsis panijus and Ilisha megaloptera) from fish landing center during January 2016 to February 2017, near the Meghna river, Noakhali, Bangladesh were measured in the present study by using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). RESULTS: The metal concentration (µg g-1) varied as Cu 4.63- 73.57, Zn 39.54-180.44, Pb 0.011-0.019, Cd .003-.122 and Cr 4.92-15.88 where Zn and Cr surpassed the different food safety guidelines. Estimation of daily dietary intake (EDI) of all the elements was measured from the national fish consumption data. Value <1.0 of estimated Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) for all fish species indicated the absence of public health hazard in the area for continuous consumption for 70 years. Besides, the Target carcinogenic risk (TR) for Pb (1.92 E-08) was also lying below the lifetime carcinogenic risk (E-05). CONCLUSION: Although, this result pointed out an almost safe level of metal content in fishes for human consumption still continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure the safety of humans who rely heavily on aquatic resources in that area.

Effect of the sodium reduction and smoking system on quality and safety of smoked salmon (Salmo salar).

Excessive sodium (Na) intake has been associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, sodium reduction is a public health challenge worldwide. The aim of this study was to develop smoked salmon with a reduced Na content. Sodium chloride (NaCl) was replaced by potassium chloride (KCl) at 25% and 50% (molar replacement) and studied in combination with two smoking procedures (natural wood and liquid smoke) as well as two smoking temperatures (18-19 °C or 56 °C). Smoked salmon samples were characterized by physicochemical, sensory and microbiological analyses. No major differences were observed regarding physicochemical properties in the studied treatments. Smoked samples with 50% of NaCl replaced by KCl were slightly more bitter than those with 25% whereas samples with 25% of replacement did not show differences to those with non-reduced Na content (5 g of added NaCl per 100 g of salmon). Molar Na:K ratio decreased from 4,3 in controls to 1,4 and 0,6 in samples with a NaCl reduction level of 25% and 50% respectively. Microbiological assessment indicates that 2-week shelf-life would be appropriate and safe in terms of accomplishment of the EU regulation, taking into account foreseeable storage temperatures (up to 8 °C). Thus, it is possible to achieve a reduction of 25-50% of NaCl in smoked salmon by replacing NaCl by KCl and considerer this product as a "source" of K.

Mercury concentrations in reared Atlantic bluefin tuna and risk assessment for the consumers: To eat or not to eat?

This study determines the levels of total mercury in muscle tissue from 268 reared Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean Sea, detects variations on mercury concentrations in relation to biological parameters and rearing period and evaluates the health risk posed by fish consumption taking into consideration the size, age and rearing period. A total of 30 pooled samples were analyzed. The total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.49 to 1.60 mg/kg w.w. and showed a significant positive relationship with the size and age. It was found that the longer the rearing period, the lower the mercury concentration. The total Hg exceeded the maximum level defined by the European Commission Decision in a proportion of 40.0%. Since the value of Target Hazard Quotient was higher than 1 in all different groups (medium, large, 6 months and 18 months reared specimens), the maximum possible safe weekly consumption (400 g) is suggested.

Commercial fish ELISA kits have a limited capacity to detect different fish species and their products.

BACKGROUND: Fish is a major food and allergen source, requiring safety declarations on packages. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are often used to ensure that the product meets the required standards with regard to the presence of allergens. Over 1000 different fish species are traded and consumed worldwide, and they are increasingly provided by aquaculture. Up to 3% of the general population is at risk of sometimes fatal allergic reactions to fish, requiring strict avoidance of this commodity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the capacity of three commercially available ELISA tests to detect a wide variety of bony and cartilaginous fish and their products, which is essential to ensure reliable and safe food labeling. RESULTS: The detection rates for 57 bony fish ranged from 26% to 61%. Common European and North American species, including carp, cod, and salmon species, demonstrated a higher detection rate than those from the Asia-Pacific region, including pangasius and several mackerel and tuna species. Among the 17 canned bony fish products, only 65% to 86% were detected, with tuna showing the lowest rate. None of the cartilaginous fish (n = 9), other vertebrates (n = 8), or shellfish (n = 5) were detected. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that three commercial fish ELISA kits had a limited capacity to detect fish and their products. The complexity of fish as a protein source that is increasingly utilized means that there is an urgent need for improved detection methods. This is crucial for the food industry to provide safe seafood products and comply with international legislation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nationwide assessment of persistent halogenated compounds (PHCs) in farmed golden pompano of China.

Persistent halogenated compounds (PHCs) contamination has become a major concern over the world. Here we investigated occurrence, spatial distributions, congener profiles, as well as health risks of PHCs in farmed golden pompano in China using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs and OCPs were in the range of 0.78-4.79 ng/g wet weight (ww), not detected (nd)-1.14 ng/g ww and 1.1-38.8 ng/g ww, respectively. Furthermore, ρ,ρ'-DDT, ο,ρ'-DDT and PCB 101 were the dominant PHC contaminants. The estimated daily intakes of PHCs through consumption of golden pompano were up to 12.86 and 131.34 ng/kg body weight/day based on the mean and 95th concentrations determined in golden pompano, respectively. Risk-based analysis indicates that target PHCs in golden pompano would not pose risks to human. Our study presents the first report of a nationwide survey of PHCs contamination in farmed golden pompano in China.

Metals and metalloid in gold mine pit lakes and fish intake risk assessment, Burkina Faso.

This study aimed to determine the levels of metals and metalloid (arsenic) in pit lakes from a gold mining site and in their fishes and assess their potential health effect on the local human population, in order to evaluate whether pit lakes can be safely used for aquaculture. Water quality data were collected from two pit lakes, namely West Pit 1 (WP1) and West Pit 2 (WP2), and the Nakambé River (NR) in Burkina Faso. Fish consumption rates in different villages were assessed through a survey. Commonly available fish were sampled from the pit lakes and the NR. Fish from the pit lakes contained higher amounts of metals and metalloid than fish from the river (WP1 ~ WP2 < NR). Of the four species of fish considered, Oreochromis niloticus and Hydrocynus forskahlii had the highest metals and metalloid content and Bagrus bajad and Clarias anguillaris had the lowest. The results indicated that the consumption of the whole fish results in higher metals and metalloid intake than consumption of the fleshy part only. Due to the low fish intake of 5.34 ± 2.60 g/day/adult deduced from the nutritional survey, exposure to metals and metalloid was below referential doses. The highest arsenic intake comes from eating entire O. niloticus (0.058 mg/day/adult) from WP1. Eating O. niloticus and C. anguillaris exposes people to an arsenic intake of 0.01 mg/day/adult. The arsenic contents of H. forskahlii and B. bajad were below the method detection limit.

Health risk assessment of heavy metal accumulation in the Buriganga and Turag River systems for Puntius ticto, Heteropneustes fossilis, and Channa punctatus.

This study aimed to assess the effects of major ecotoxic heavy metals accumulated in the Buriganga and Turag River systems on the liver, kidney, intestine, and muscle of common edible fish species Puntius ticto, Heteropneustes fossilis, and Channa punctatus and determine the associated health risks. K was the predominant and reported as a major element. A large concentration of Zn was detected in diverse organs of the three edible fishes compared with other metals. Overall, trace metal analysis indicated that all organs (especially the liver and kidney) were under extreme threat because the maximum permissible limit set by different international health organizations was exceeded. The target hazard quotient and target cancer risk due to the trace metal content were the largest for P. ticto. Thus, excessive intake of P. ticto from the rivers Buriganga and Turag could result in chronic risks associated with long-term exposure to contaminants. Histopathological investigations revealed the first detectable indicators of infection and findings of long-term injury in cells, tissues, and organs. Histopathological changes in various tissue structures of fish functioned as key pointers of connection to pollutants, and definite infections and lesion types were established based on biotic pointers of toxic/carcinogenic effects. The analysis of histopathological alterations is a controlling integrative device used to assess pollutants in the environment.

Residues of legacy organochlorine pesticides and DDT metabolites in highly consumed fish from the polluted Guanabara Bay, Brazil: distribution and assessment of human health risk.

Organochlorine (OCP) pesticides were determined in samples of sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis), whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri), and mullet (Mugil liza) from Guanabara Bay (state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). OCP concentrations and fish consumption were linked with acceptable daily intake values in order to assess the human health risk for the Brazilian population. The total concentrations of OCPs (Σ OCP) was 6.6 ng/g f.w., 7.5 ng/g f.w., and 2.8 ng/g f.w. for sardines, corvina, and mullet, respectively. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) among the species related to o,p'-DDD and o,p'-DDT concentrations. Both DDT-related compounds were 5 and 76 times more abundant in sardines than in whitemouth croaker and mullet. Newly discovered DDT metabolite, o-Cl-DDMU, was frequently detected in the fish. None of the samples exceeded the maximum limits for acceptable levels of OCP residues. According to the data of average intake of Brazilian population, none of three species exceeded toxicological parameter. The investigated fishes are considered as safe for human consumption in regard to exposure of the studied OCPs. However, fish may be a intake source of OCP metabolites such as o-Cl-DDMU whose toxicity is still unknown.

Assessment of metal contamination in Arabian/Persian Gulf fish: A review.

Metal contamination in fish is a concern worldwide, including in the Arabian/Persian Gulf region. This review summarizes the findings from 55 papers about metal concentrations in Gulf fish. Metal concentrations in muscle tissue were screened against the most recent maximum allowable levels (MALs) for fish in international commerce. We identified metals, fish species, and locations where concentrations exceeded the MALs. For some metals, recent MALs have been set to lower concentrations as more toxicological data have become available. Mean fish tissue concentrations exceeded the MAL in 13% (arsenic), 76% (cadmium), 56% (lead), and 10% (mercury) of species means. We identified 13 fish species with the potential to serve as bioindicators of metal contamination for use in four Gulf habitats: pelagic, benthopelagic, demersal, and coral reefs. Recommendations are provided for a regional approach to improve consistency of sampling, data analysis and reporting of metal concentrations in Gulf fish.

Study on assessment of proximate composition and meat quality of fresh and stored Clarias gariepinus and Cyprinus carpio / Estudo da avaliação da composição centesimal e da qualidade da carne de Clarias gariepinus e Cyprinus carpio

Abstract The organoleptic evaluation and proximate analysis of Clarias gariepinus and Cyprinus carpio were determined in fresh fish and when refrigerated at two different temperatures (-21 °C and 4 °C) for a period of six weeks. A panel of twelve trained judges evaluated the color (live), texture, softness and flavor of fish meat after two minutes' steam cooking. Average score revealed a general decline in organoleptic properties such as color, texture, freshness, and taste of C. gariepinus and C. carpio stored at two temperatures compared to the fresh fish. Proximate analysis revealed a more decrease in crude protein and lipid contents and increase in ash content in C. gariepinus and C. carpio at the two storage temperatures compared to the fresh fish muscle. Moisture content decreased in the fish muscle samples of both the fish species stored at -21 °C but increased in the 4 °C stored samples. pH of fish was found to increase in the two stored temperatures. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the organoleptic and proximate composition of the ice stored and fresh C. gariepinus and C. carpio, the same temperature and between the two different temperatures. The quality of fish muscle stored at 4 °C deteriorated faster than that of the -21 °C. Thus, storage temperature and duration have adverse effects on the nutritional quality of fish meat.

Resumo A avaliação organoléptica e a análise aproximada de Clarias gariepinus e Cyprinus carpio foram determinadas em peixe fresco e refrigerado a duas temperaturas diferentes (-21 °C e 4 °C) por um período de seis semanas. Um painel de doze juízes treinados avaliou a cor (ao vivo), textura, maciez e sabor da carne de peixe após dois minutos de cozimento a vapor. O escore médio revelou um declínio geral nas propriedades organolépticas, como cor, textura, frescor e sabor de C. gariepinus e C. carpio armazenados a duas temperaturas em comparação com o peixe fresco. A análise imediata revelou uma maior diminuição nos teores de proteína bruta e lipídios e aumento no teor de cinzas em C. gariepinus e C. carpio nas duas temperaturas de armazenamento em comparação com o músculo do peixe fresco. O teor de umidade diminuiu nas amostras de músculo de peixe de ambas as espécies de peixes armazenadas a -21 °C, mas aumentou nas amostras armazenadas a 4 °C. O pH dos peixes aumentou nas duas temperaturas armazenadas. Houve diferenças significativas (P <0,05) na composição organoléptica e próxima do gelo armazenado e fresco C. gariepinus e C. carpio, a mesma temperatura e entre as duas temperaturas diferentes. A qualidade do músculo do peixe armazenado a 4 °C deteriorou-se mais rapidamente do que a temperatura de -21 °C. Assim, a temperatura e duração do armazenamento têm efeitos adversos na qualidade nutricional da carne de peixe.

Harnessing global fisheries to tackle micronutrient deficiencies.

Micronutrient deficiencies account for an estimated one million premature deaths annually, and for some nations can reduce gross domestic product1,2 by up to 11%, highlighting the need for food policies that focus on improving nutrition rather than simply increasing the volume of food produced3. People gain nutrients from a varied diet, although fish-which are a rich source of bioavailable micronutrients that are essential to human health4-are often overlooked. A lack of understanding of the nutrient composition of most fish5 and how nutrient yields vary among fisheries has hindered the policy shifts that are needed to effectively harness the potential of fisheries for food and nutrition security6. Here, using the concentration of 7 nutrients in more than 350 species of marine fish, we estimate how environmental and ecological traits predict nutrient content of marine finfish species. We use this predictive model to quantify the global spatial patterns of the concentrations of nutrients in marine fisheries and compare nutrient yields to the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in human populations. We find that species from tropical thermal regimes contain higher concentrations of calcium, iron and zinc; smaller species contain higher concentrations of calcium, iron and omega-3 fatty acids; and species from cold thermal regimes or those with a pelagic feeding pathway contain higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids. There is no relationship between nutrient concentrations and total fishery yield, highlighting that the nutrient quality of a fishery is determined by the species composition. For a number of countries in which nutrient intakes are inadequate, nutrients available in marine finfish catches exceed the dietary requirements for populations that live within 100 km of the coast, and a fraction of current landings could be particularly impactful for children under 5 years of age. Our analyses suggest that fish-based food strategies have the potential to substantially contribute to global food and nutrition security.

Meat and Fish Freshness Assessment by a Portable and Simplified Electronic Nose System (Mastersense).

The evaluation of meat and fish quality is crucial to ensure that products are safe and meet the consumers' expectation. The present work aims at developing a new low-cost, portable, and simplified electronic nose system, named Mastersense, to assess meat and fish freshness. Four metal oxide semiconductor sensors were selected by principal component analysis and were inserted in an "ad hoc" designed measuring chamber. The Mastersense system was used to test beef and poultry slices, and plaice and salmon fillets during their shelf life at 4 °C, from the day of packaging and beyond the expiration date. The same samples were tested for Total Viable Count, and the microbial results were used to define freshness classes to develop classification models by the K-Nearest Neighbours' algorithm and Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis. All the obtained models gave global sensitivity and specificity with prediction higher than 83.3% and 84.0%, respectively. Moreover, a McNemar's test was performed to compare the prediction ability of the two classification algorithms, which resulted in comparable values (p > 0.05). Thus, the Mastersense prototype implemented with the K-Nearest Neighbours' model is considered the most convenient strategy to assess meat and fish freshness.

Metal Contamination in Seven Tributaries of the Ganga River and Assessment of Human Health Risk from Fish Consumption.

We investigated the distribution of Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr, and Cd in water, sediment, and two dietary fish (an omnivore, Labeo rohita and a benthic carnivore, Clarias batrachus) and potential health risk to human consumers during summer low flow (2017-2018) at 28 sites across 7 tributary confluences of the Ganga River. We selected Devprayag, an upper reach site, as a reference for data comparison. We found significant spatial variations in the distribution of study metals and the concentrations remained higher in tributaries, confluences, and downstream cities. The pollution load index showed all sites except Devprayag in the polluted category. Ecological risk analysis indicated 1 site with very high risk, 7 with considerable risk, and 10 with moderate-risk category. The Zn did appear the most, and Cd the least accumulated metal in the fish. The metal accumulation was higher in C. batrachus. The levels of Cd, Cr, and Pb in the study fishes were higher compared with the international standards. The health risk analysis indicated safe levels for individual metals except for Cd where the target hazard quotient (THQ) did exceed 1 for C. batrachus at the Ramganga and Varuna confluences. When all metals were considered, the THQ was > 1 (> 2 for C. batrachus), indicating the full possibility of adverse health effects to human consumers. Our study highlights the importance of tributaries in creating a mosaic of metal-rich habitats in the Ganga River and food chain associated with a health risk to human consumers.

Avaliação da qualidade microbiológica em atuns enlatados comercializados no Rio de Janeiro / Assessment of microbiological quality in canned tuna marketed in Rio de Janeiro

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de atuns enlatados comercializados no Rio de Janeiro, armazenados em refrigeração. A s análises bacteriológicas realizadas foram: Contagem de Bactérias Heterotróficas Aeróbias Mesófilas, Termófilas, Psicrófilas, Pesquisa de Bacillus spp., Contagem de bactérias esporuladas, Contagem de bactérias produtoras de histamina e anaeróbias sulfito redutoras a 46°C em três diferentes apresentações. Observou-se na contagem de mesófilas valores inferiores a 103 UFC/g e ausência de bactérias sulfito redutoras a 46°C. A s outras análises revelaram expressivo crescimento bacteriano, inclusive produtoras de histamina. Conclui-se que a qualidade microbiológica dos produtos analisados não foi satisfatória, podendo ocorrer alterações indesejáveis e comprometimento da segurança alimentar.