Residual Levels of Mercury, Cadmium, Lead and Arsenic in Some Commercially Key Species from Italian Coasts (Adriatic Sea): Focus on Human Health.

This study provides information on the potential human health risk of Hg, Cd, Pb and As exposure from consumption of two fish species (Umbrina cirrosa and Sciaena umbra) in the general population and in high-level fish consumers. The concentrations did not show significant differences between the two species, and no fish length element level-body-length relationship was observed, except for Hg. The average metal(loid) levels, irrespective of species, varied in the following ranges: Hg = 0.18-0.19, Cd = 0.07-0.10, Pb = 0.10-0.12, As = 0.59-0.69 µg g-1 w.w. The concentrations remained below the maximum permissible limits (MPLs) for human consumption, except for Cd. The estimated intakes of Hg, Cd and Pb in both consumption scenarios were lower than the respective PTWI/PTMIs, as well as those of inorganic As, which were even lower than the BMDL01. The non-carcinogenic risk (THQ) did not reveal any concerns, except for Hg. The lifetime health cancer risk (ILCR) suggested hazard exclusively from Cd, although for high-level fish consumers, even the ILCR of inorganic As was, in some cases, above the acceptable range. Continuous monitoring of metal(loid) levels in these fish is strongly recommended because the results demonstrate the occurrence of potential health risks, especially in high-level fish consumers, due to the presence of Hg and Cd.

Determination of Mercury, Methylmercury and Selenium Concentrations in Elasmobranch Meat: Fish Consumption Safety.

This study measures total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and selenium (Se) concentrations in elasmobranch fish from an Italian market with the aim of evaluating the risk-benefit associated with their consumption, using estimated weekly intake (EWI), permissible safety level (MeHgPSL), selenium health benefit value (HBVSe) and monthly consumption rate limit (CRmm) for each species. THg and Se were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry, while MeHg was determined by HrGc/Ms. THg and MeHg concentrations ranged from 0.61 to 1.25 µg g-1 w.w. and from 0.57 to 0.97 µg g-1 w.w., respectively, whereas Se levels were 0.49-0.65 µg g-1 w.w. In most samples European Community limits for THg were surpassed, while for MeHg none of the fish had levels above the limit adopted by FAO/WHO. EWIs for THg and MeHg in many cases were above the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs). MeHgPSL estimate showed that fish should contain approximately 50% of the concentration measured to avoid exceeding the PTWI. Nevertheless, the HBVSe index indicated that solely skates were safe for human consumption (HBVSe = 3.57-6.22). Our results highlight the importance of a constant monitoring of THg and MeHg level in fish, especially in apex predators, to avoid the risk of overexposure for consumers.

Polychlorinated dioxins, furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in food from Italy: Estimates of dietaryintake and assessment.

Dietary intake of polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) from various foods (fish and seafood, meat and meat-based products, milk and dairy products, hen eggs, olive oil and fats) was investigated for various sex/age groups of the Italian population. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs and their contribution to total TEQ values varied depending on food matrix. Fish (0.50 pg WHO-TEQ/g wet weight) and seafood (0.16 pg WHO-TEQ/g wet weight) showed the highest mean concentrations of PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs, followed by meat (1.70 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight), meat based products (1.03 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight), milk and dairy products (0.78 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight), hen eggs (0.71 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight), fats (0.27 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight) and olive oil (0.09 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight). In all samples WHO-TEQ PCDD/F plus dl-PCB concentrations fulfilled the European Union food law, except in pork loin samples (1.39 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid weight). Differences in exposure depending on the sex/age groups (children > teenagers > adults > elders) and hypotheses considered (lower bound and upper bound) were encountered. Non-cancer risk values showed a low exposure. Carcinogenicity risk results revealed that highly exposed individuals were distributed over all sex/age groups, even though the proportion of individuals exceeding the safe limit was higher in children. These data once again underline the importance of trying to control the levels of these contaminants in fishery products, particularly in fish, who represents one of the main exposure sources for consumers. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This paper may help the consumer in making food choices to minimize the exposure risk to dioxins, furans and PCBs.

Levels of Mercury, Methylmercury and Selenium in Fish: Insights into Children Food Safety.

Total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), and selenium (Se) concentrations were measured in various commercially important fish species. The benefit-risk binomial associated with these chemicals was assessed in children through the probability of exceeding the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs) of the contaminants and the Se recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The Se:Hg molar ratios, selenium health benefit values (HBVSe), and monthly consumption rate limits (CRmm) for each species were also calculated. THg and Se were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Milan, Italy), while MeHg was determined by Trace Ultra gas chromatograph connected with a PolarisQ MS (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). None of the analyzed fish had Hg levels above the European Community regulatory limits, while most large predators had MeHg levels over the threshold concentration set by US EPA. The estimated weekly intakes of THg and MeHg exceeded in many cases the PTWIs and the Se estimated daily intakes were provided from 0.71% to 2.75% of the RDA. Se:Hg molar ratios above 1 and positive HBVSe index suggested that Se in fish could be enough to alleviate the potential toxic effect of Hg. However, high-risk groups as children should consume fish in moderation because a large consumption pattern, especially of swordfish and tunas, might be of concern for health.

Trace Metals in Pork Meat Products Marketed in Italy: Occurrence and Health Risk Characterization.

This study provides valuable information on the levels of various trace metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Zn, Cu, Cr) in meat products (baked ham, raw ham, mortadella, cured sausage, würstel, salami) from South Italy and calculates potential health risk toxicity associated with their consumption for the total population and for children. In the samples studied metal concentrations are within the permissible legal limits (Cd: 0.01-0.03 µg g-1 w.w., Hg: 0.01-0.02 µg g-1 w.w., Zn: 5.71-7.32 µg g-1 w.w., Cu: 1.08-1.21 µg g-1 w.w., Cr: 0.15-0.23 µg g-1 w.w.), except for Pb (Pb: 0.22-0.38 µg g-1 w.w.). The estimated intake values are within the provisional tolerable daily intake limits for toxic metals and recommended daily intake values for essential metals in both tested groups. The noncarcinogenic risk values of the individual metals indicate that there is no health risk, but their combined effects might constitute a potential risk for children. Furthermore, the cumulative cancer risk of all samples studied exceeds the recommended threshold risk limit (> 10-4) in both total population and children, indicating a risk of potential health problems for consumers especially for children, who are more vulnerable to toxic metal exposure.

Dioxin and PCB residues in meats from Italy: Consumer dietary exposure.

In order to investigate PCB and PCDD/F concentrations and potential human health risk a study has been conducted in meat samples (beef, pork, chicken and turkey) purchased from Italian supermarkets. PCBs were dominant (41.8-77.7 ng g-1 l.w.) with respect to PCDD/Fs (20.1-91.1 pg g-1 l.w.). The levels were variable and largely dependent upon the type of meat. Accumulation pattern showed a distribution typically reported for meat. PCBs tended to decrease from lowest to highest congeners, while for PCDD/Fs the concentration profile was dominated by highly chlorinated dioxins and furans. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs and indicator PCBs exceeding the EU maximum permissible levels were found in 23.3% and 53.3% of the samples, respectively. Exposure estimates to PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs (0.08-4.16 pg WHO-TEQs kg-1 b.w. w.-1) were within the new limit proposed by the EFSA's expert panel, except for pork sausage, showing a twofold higher value. Concerning the exposure derived from indicator PCBs, the maximum level set by different European countries (10 ng kg-1 b.w. d.-1) was surpassed solely via consumption of pork sausage (17.22 ng kg-1 b.w. d.-1), thought also the estimated intake from hamburger consumption (6.88 ng kg-1 b.w. d.-1) merits attention being close to guideline limit.

PCBs and PCDD/Fs in Bluefin Tuna: Occurrence and Dietary Intake.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDD/Fs) were measured in Mediterranean bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) to verify the compliance with the EU regulations for food commercialization. The estimated intakes were also evaluated. The analyses were performed by gas chromatography-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS). The PCBs were dominant (1132.0 ng g−1 l.w.), followed by PCDFs (23.2 pg g−1 l.w.) and PCDDs (8.5 pg g−1 l.w.). The pollutant levels (dl-PCBs: 0.7 pg TEQ/g w.w.; PCDD/Fs: 1.9 pg TEQ/g w.w.) and their sum expressed as TEQ values (2.6 pg TEQ/g w.w.) remained below the limits for human consumption proposed by the European Union. On the contrary, the sum of the six indicator non-dioxin-like PCBs (84.2 ng g−1 w.w.) was slightly above the maximum level fixed by the in-force legislation. The estimated dietary intakes for PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs were below the toxicological reference values (TRVs) set by various international bodies, while non-cancer and cancer risk assessment revealed a safety concern. Additionally, the estimated intake of ndl-PCBs exceeded the maximum levels set by different European countries. These findings suggest caution in tuna consumption together with an active and frequent surveillance of the chemical quality of its flesh.

Estimated Dietary Intake of Trace Metals from Swordfish Consumption: A Human Health Problem.

Trace element (Hg, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr) occurrence was determined in the muscle tissue of swordfish collected in the Mediterranean Sea to assess whether the intakes complied with the recommended levels for essential metals and permissible levels for toxic elements. Metals were analyzed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Shimadzu AA 7000). The methodology of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) was also evaluated. The ranking order of toxic metal concentration was Hg > Cd > Pb, while for essential elements the distribution pattern followed the sequence Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr. The Estimated Weekly Intakes (EWI) as well as THQ for Cd and Pb indicated that swordfish consumption did not pose a risk to human health, whereas the major concern was for Hg. Fish size-related changes in Hg concentrations resulted in high EWI and THQ values relative to larger fish consumption, implying a potential risk to human health. For consumer protection, catches of swordfish approximately above 44 kg should be avoided as these fish have a higher risk of containing toxic levels of Hg.

Evaluation of trace metal and polychlorinated biphenyl levels in tea brands of different origin commercialized in Italy.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the trace element (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Fe, Cr and Se) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) content of several commercially available brands of green and black tea marketed in Italy. The concentrations these chemicals were found to be variable and largely dependent upon the type and brand of analysed tea. The most abundant element among the essential elements was Fe, followed by Zn, Cu, Se, Ni and Cr, whereas Pb was the predominant among the tested nonessential elements followed by Hg and Cd. Assessment based on several available guidelines showed that element content were low, except for Hg and Ni. The PCBs concentrations were generally low, with a homologue profile dominated by low-chlorinated congeners, namely three- and tetra-PCBs accounting for more than 60% of the total residue. Apart from trace elements, this is the first study documenting in detail the concentrations and congener distribution of PCBs in tea samples of different origin.

Assessment of mercury and cadmium via seafood consumption in Italy: estimated dietary intake (EWI) and target hazard quotient (THQ).

Mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) were quantified in fish, cephalopods and crustaceans from Italian supermarkets. Sample compliance with European dietary standards as well as human health risks according to provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) and the methodology of target hazard quotient (THQ) were evaluated. Both element levels were under European legal limits, except for some fish having Hg and Cd contents exceeding or equal to critical values. Estimated weekly intakes (Hg: fish = 0.07-1.44 µg kg(-1) bw week(-1); cephalopods = 0.05-0.15 µg kg(-1) bw week(-1); crustaceans = 0.04-0.08 µg kg(-1) bw week(-1); and Cd: fish = 0.04-0.32 µg kg(-1) bw week(-1); cephalopods = 0.07-0.27 µg kg(-1) bw week(-1); crustaceans = 0.05-0.11 µg kg(-1) bw week(-1)) as well as THQ < 1 were within safe limits. Although there seems to be no important risks associated with seafood consumption, Hg exposure was in some cases close to safety margins and thus levels of this metal should be under frequent surveillance.

PCBs and PCDD/PCDFs in fishery products: occurrence, congener profile and compliance with European Union legislation.

PCB and PCDD/F concentrations and congener specific profiles were determined in seafood (fish, cephalopods, crustaceans) purchased in supermarkets in Southern Italy. The results intended to assess and compare the levels and congener profiles among the various organisms and evaluate whether the pollutant concentrations exceed the maximum permitted levels according to European Union guidelines. Contaminant accumulation followed the order PCBs > PCDFs > PCDDs in all samples. Species-specific bioaccumulation of contaminants and differences in PCB and PCDD/F profiles among the three different groups of seafood were noted. Pollutant concentrations, given as sum of WHO-TEQ, in all samples (fish: 0.28 pg g(-1) wet wt; cephalopods: 0.01 pg g(-1) wet wt; crustaceans: 0.03 pg g(-1) wet wt) did not exceed the maximum limits for human consumption. Also the sum of six indicator PCBs (fish: 0.07-16.7 ng g(-1) wet weight; cephalopods: 0.05-0.21 ng g(-1) wet weight; crustaceans: 0.07-0.57 ng g(-1) wet weight) was below the level prescribed by the legislation in all the species tested. The estimated dietary intakes (fish: 0.52 TEQs/kg bw/week; cephalopods: 0.01 TEQs/kg bw/week; crustaceans: 0.02 TEQs/kg bw/week) were below the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) proposed by the European Commission. Therefore, the samples analyzed can be considered safe considering the levels obtained and the in-force legislation.

Comparative study on trace metal accumulation in the liver of two fish species (Torpedinidae): concentration-size relationship.

Metal concentrations (Hg, Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Cu, Zn and Ni) were measured in the liver of two fish, Torpedo nobiliana (electric ray) and Torpedo marmorata (marbled electric ray), from the Mediterranean Sea in order to comparatively investigate their current pollution status. Maximum mean levels of Hg were detected in electric ray (mean: 2.16µgg(-1) ww), while marbled electric ray accumulated especially Cd (mean: 0.06µgg(-1) ww), Cu (mean: 3.83µgg(-1) ww) and As (mean: 32.64µgg(-1) ww). The metal concentrations are similar to those reported in literature, except for Cd, As and Ni. Hg concentrations increased with increasing fish body length in both species, whilst no significant concentration-size relationship was found for other metals. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report providing information on trace metal levels and relationship between concentration and size of these cartilaginous fishes. Future studies on the concentrations and effects of environmental contaminants in various torpedinid species are surely needed.

Toxic metals (Hg, Pb, and Cd) in commercially important demersal fish from Mediterranean sea: contamination levels and dietary exposure assessment.

UNLABELLED: Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were quantified in muscle tissue of 5 species of demersal fish (european conger eel, rosefish, brown ray, blackbellied angler, and red mullet) commonly consumed in Italy. In all species studied, Hg was the most abundant element, followed by Pb and Cd, which exhibited comparable levels. Cd and Pb concentrations did not differ either within individuals of the same species or among various species examined, whereas Hg accumulation was species-specific. Significant positive correlations between Hg concentrations and fish length for the 5 characterized species were observed. From a public health standpoint, Pb concentrations were under the legal limit for human consumption indicated by European Regulation, whereas Hg and Cd content occurred at levels exceeding the respective critical values in most of the samples examined. The estimated weekly intakes (EWIs) as well as the target hazard quotients (THQs) for Cd and Pb indicated that fish were safe for human consumption, whereas major concern was related to Hg. Fish size-related changes in Hg concentrations determined high THQ and EWI values relatively to larger size fish consumption of these species, except for red mullet, suggesting potential health human risk. A continuous surveillance system of Hg content in fishery products, especially in certain species that for physiological reasons concentrate Hg more easily than others is crucial for consumer health protection. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The present article deals with metal (Hg, Cd, and Pb) concentrations in commercially important demersal fish from Mediterranean Sea. The dietary intakes of these elements have been estimated and the dietary exposure assessment was calculated. This kind of study will help the consumers to make an informative choice when buying fish.

Persistent organic pollutants (PCBs and DDTs) in European conger eel, Conger conger L., from the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea).

The present study provides novel data regarding levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDTs) in muscle tissue of European conger eel (Conger conger) from Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea). The mean concentration of PCBs (891 ng g(-1) lipid weight) was higher than those of DDTs (543 ng g(-1) lipid weight). PCB pattern was dominated by higher chlorinated congeners (hexa-CBs: 69.3 %, penta-CBs: 17.2 %, hepta-CBs: 13.3 %). Regarding DDT pattern, p,p'-DDE was prevalent in all samples (85.5 %), suggesting no recent DDT input. The total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs, including mono-and non-ortho congeners was 0.41 pg g(-1) wet weight (29.92 pg g(-1) lipid weight). The PCB and DDT levels, as well as TEQ concentrations were lower than most of the corresponding published data for fish from Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean regions, probably reflecting a moderately contaminated area.

Toxic metals (Hg, Cd, and Pb) in fishery products imported into Italy: suitability for human consumption.

Mercury, cadmium, and lead concentrations were determined in various fishery products (fishes, cephalopod molluscs, and crustaceans) imported into Italy from many European and non-European coastal countries. Considerable differences were found in the concentrations of these metals among the products tested. The highest mean Hg concentration was found in fishes (0.21 µg g(-1) wet weight), whereas cephalopods had the highest mean Cd concentration (0.35 µg g(-1) wet weight). Swordfish (0.80 µg g(-1) wet weight), longtail tuna (0.53 µg g(-1) wet weight), and thornback ray (0.52 µg g(-1) wet weight) had the highest concentrations of Hg, whereas maximum Cd concentrations were found in samples of common cuttlefish (0.85 µg g(-1) wet weight) and common octopus (0.64 µg g(-1) wet weight). The majority of the samples analyzed were in compliance with European Union legislation, except for a few cases. The calculated mean weekly intakes of Hg, Cd, and Pb through consumption of the fishery products tested were all below the legislated respective provisional tolerable weekly intakes. In general, the samples analyzed were considered safe to eat with regard to the metal concentrations found and the allowable intakes based on legislation. Nevertheless, the consumption of some species may be of significant importance for consumer health.

Contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Southeastern Mediterranean Sea.

Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) including dioxin-like PCBs (non-ortho, PCB 77, PCB 126, and PCB 169 and mono-ortho, PCB 105, PCB 118, and PCB 156) were measured in different organs and tissues (melon, blubber, liver, kidney, lung, heart, and muscle tissue) of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Adriatic Sea). The mean highest levels were in blubber and melon, followed by liver, kidney, lung, heart, and muscle tissue. PCB profiles were similar in all tissues and organs being dominated by the higher chlorinated homologues (hexa-CBs, 55.8-62.1%; penta-CBs, 15.4-20.0%; and hepta-CB PCB 180, 12.7-16.5%). Major PCBs in all tissues were congeners 138 and 153 collectively accounting for 50.6-58.3% of the total PCB concentrations, followed by PCB 101, 105, 118, and 180 constituting from 27.0% to 31.0%. PCB levels were higher in adult males than in adult females. The estimated 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents of non- and mono-ortho PCBs were much higher than the threshold level above which adverse effects have been observed in other marine mammals species, suggesting that striped dolphins in this region are at risk for toxic effects.

Organochlorine residues (PCBs and DDTs) in two torpedinid species' liver from the Southeastern Mediterranean Sea.

PURPOSE: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and PCB congeners accumulation profile were measured in the liver of two torpedinid species (Torpedo nobiliana and Torpedo marmorata) from the Mediterranean Sea (Adriatic Sea) in order to investigate the relative toxicological impact of these highly toxic PCBs in the organisms in question. METHODS: A Thermo Trace GC connected to a Thermo PolarisQ MS operated in electron impact ionization (EI) mode was used to quantify PCBs and DDTs. The method performance was assessed through participation in interlaboratory studies organized by QUASIMEME. RESULTS: PCBs emerged as the most abundant pollutants, followed by DDTs. Contaminant load was higher in T. nobiliana (PCBs, 1,040 ng g(-1) lipid weight; DDTs, 234 ng g(-1) lipid weight) than in T. marmorata (PCBs, 434 ng g(-1) lipid weight; DDTs, 78 ng g(-1) lipid weight). PCB 118, 138, 153, and 180 were the dominant congeners accounting for over 95.0% of the total PCBs. Among DDTs, p,p'-DDE was detected in both species, always with a greater concentration than other pesticides. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides, for the first time, data regarding levels of organochlorine contamination in torpedinid species from the Mediterranean Sea. The comparability of TEQ levels with those encountered in predators at top of trophic chains constitutes a warning signal that should not be underestimated.

Levels and congener profiles of PCBs and PCDD/Fs in blue shark (Prionace glauca) liver from the South-Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Italy).

Liver of blue shark (Prionace glauca) specimens from the South-Eastern Mediterranean Sea were analyzed for the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), including coplanar congeners, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). PCBs were the dominant chemicals, followed by PCDFs and PCDDs. The pattern of PCB congener concentrations in the hepatic tissue was dominated by higher chlorinated compounds. The specific profile of toxic PCDD/F congeners was characterized mainly by 2,3,7,8-TCDF and 2,3,7,8-TCDD, followed by 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD and 2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF. The total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQs) was 149 pg g⁻¹ lipid wt. The profile of TEQ shows that PCDDs present the greatest risk to this species contributing to total toxicity with a percentage approximately of 60%, while the contribution of PCDFs and DL-PCBs is almost the same being 22.4% and 21.6%, respectively. Further investigations are urgently needed to characterize the PCDD/Fs contamination levels not only in elasmobranch fish but in all Mediterranean marine biota.

Occurrence of toxic metals (Hg, Cd and Pb) in fresh and canned tuna: public health implications.

Hg, Pb and Cd levels in fresh and canned tuna were determined and assessed by comparing element levels in these samples with maximum permissible limits set by European legislation. The estimated weekly intakes by human consuming both fresh and canned tuna were also evaluated for possible consumer health risks. Among tested metals, Hg had the highest concentrations, followed by Pb and Cd either in fresh tuna or canned tuna. None of the tested samples surpassed the European regulatory limits fixed for Cd and Pb, whereas 8.9% of the tuna cans and 20% of fresh tuna samples exceeded standard for Hg. The size of tuna was a determining factor of Hg burden. A high intake of Hg surpassing the toxicological reference value established by WHO, was associated with consumption of larger size tuna specimens. Also canned tuna consumption with Hg concentrations higher than 1 µg kg(-1), strongly increased the consumer exposure. In contrast, Cd and Pb weekly intakes through consumption either of fresh tuna or canned tuna did not exceed the toxicological reference values established by WHO, and consequently there was no human health risk. A continuous surveillance system of Hg content in these fishery products is crucial for consumer protection.

Accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticide in pet cats and dogs: assessment of toxicological status.

PCB and DDT concentrations were determined in the adipose tissue of cats and dogs from Southern Italy. In cats p,p'-DDE was the most abundant DDT component (95.0%), while in dogs these compounds were absent, except in two specimens. PCB concentrations were higher in cats (199.02 ng g(-1) lipid weight) than in dogs (41.61 ng g(-1) lipid weight). Also there were inter-specific differences in the contribution of the different congeners to PCBs, although PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180 were the most representative congeners in both species. Animals from one location, Taranto City, had significantly elevated concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs compared to the other locations. Consequently the estimated mean 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs were higher in these animals (cats: 0.65 pg g(-1) lipid weight; dogs 0.29 pg g(-1) lipid weight) than in the other ones (cats: 0.12 pg g(-1) lipid weight; dogs: 0.001 pg g(-1) lipid weight).