Risk-Benefit Assessment for Total Mercury, Arsenic, Selenium, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Exposure from Fish Consumption in Jamaica.

Fish is important in the traditional diet of Jamaicans, and the fishing industry contributes to social and economic development, as well as food security in Jamaica. However, there are associated health risks from contaminant exposure. The aim of this paper was to use risk-benefit analysis methods to determine the best fish species for consumption. Composite samples consisting of 14 fish species were collected from major fishing villages in 2016 and measured for total mercury, arsenic, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). Food frequency questionnaires were randomly distributed to 400 participants from different locations on the island. Participants were asked to identify the types of fish, portion size, and the frequency of consumption. An estimate of their weight was also recorded. Total mercury concentrations in fish samples ranged from 0.003 to 0.215 µg/g. The range of arsenic concentrations was 0.11 to 7.8 µg/g. The range of selenium concentrations was 0.302 µg/g to 1.08 µg/g. The mean omega-3 fatty acid concentration was 123.1 ± 93.6 mg/100 g. The fish consumption rates range from 3.2 to 1132.8 g/day. Cod fish was the most consumed species at 23.2 g/day. Four risk-benefit analysis methods were able to recommend four fish species that were best for consumption based on the levels of mercury, arsenic, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. They were doctorfish, parrotfish, snappers, and cod fish. The results of this study concluded that there was a low risk of mercury exposure from fish consumed in Jamaica.

Bioaccumulation of cadmium in potato tuber grown on naturally high levels cadmium soils in Jamaica.

Jamaican soils have been reported to have naturally high level of cadmium (Cd), and its bioaccumulation in edible crops is of great concern for farmers, stakeholders, and public health authorities. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of Cd in soils in Jamaica and its bioaccumulation in potato tubers, and to determine the dominant soil factors influencing this bioaccumulation in potato. In addition, other soil factors were investigated such pH, electric conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), texture, organic matter content (OMC), and soil zinc (Zn) concentration. The soils' pH and Zn concentration were found to be the dominant factors influencing Cd accumulation in potato tubers, and this was confirmed by using a step-wise multiple regression analysis with the soil factors and tuber Cd (P < 0.05). With soil Cd ranging between 0.05 and 62.3 mg kg-1 and tuber Cd ranging between 0.01 and 0.22 mg kg-1 fresh weight, the bioaccumulation factor (BCF) of Cd in potato tuber gave a precise assessment of the influence of soil variables on Cd accumulation in potato tuber. The Cd concentration in potato tubers was found 50% higher than that recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) regulation for potatoes (0.05 mg kg-1 fresh weight), and therefore, this should raise real concerns about the human health risk in Jamaica.