Human exposure assessment to macro- and trace elements in the most consumed edible seaweeds in Europe.

Seaweed consumption has increased considerably in Europe as a result of new trends in food. The macroelement (Na, Ca, K, Mg) and trace element (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sr, V, Zn) levels in different species of edible brown seaweeds were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). European Himanthalia elongata species had the highest recorded concentrations of K (57480 mg/kg dry weight). Asian Undaria pinnatifida species had the highest Fe content (58.8 mg/kg dw). Five grams/day of dehydrated seaweed of the Asian U. pinnatifida species mainly contributes to the admissible daily intake of Mg (9.32% adults) and Na (7.05% adults). In any case which exceeds the maximum intake values of any of the elements analyzed, the macro- and trace element levels can vary considerably in a short period of time, so it is necessary to assess the toxic risk in edible seaweeds.

Toxic (Al, Cd, and Pb) and trace metal (B, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr, and Zn) levels in tissues of slaughtered steers: risk assessment for the consumers.

The levels of toxic metals (Al, Cd, Pb) and trace metals (B, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr, Zn) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in the muscle (sirloin and chuck) and liver from a total of 180 samples of steers (less than 2 years old) (Bos taurus) of foreign and local origin slaughtered on the island of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain). As regards toxic metals, Al was the metal with the highest contents in both tissues of the foreign steers (3.75 mg/kg in the muscle and 55.3 mg/kg in the liver) and the local steers (5.60 mg/kg in the muscle and 8.65 mg/kg in the liver). In conclusion, the present study confirmed that beef is a source of trace elements, mainly Fe and Zn. In addition, the consumption of this type of beef did not show significant intakes of toxic metals (Al, Cd, and Pb) and, therefore, the consumption of the steer muscle and liver does not pose a toxicological risk for Spanish consumers.

A Limited Survey of Metal Content in Blue Jack Mackerel ( Trachurus picturatus) Obtained from Markets in the Canary Islands.

The levels of 20 metals (aluminum, boron, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, nickel, lead, strontium, vanadium, and zinc) were analyzed in muscle and liver tissue of Trachurus picturatus marketed in the Canary Islands (Spain) by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. In the liver samples, the mean concentrations in milligrams per kilogram wet weight (wt) of Al (14.7), B (0.99), Ba (1.64), Ca (314), Cd (2.52), Co (0.15), Cu (4.07), Fe (106), Li (3.89), Mn (0.85), Mo (0.16), Na (1510), Ni (0.51), Pb (0.36), Sr (3.54), V (0.78), and Zn (23.13) were higher than those detected in the muscle samples in milligrams per killogram wet wt, which were as follows: Al (8.76), B (0.07), Ba (0.30), Ca (210), Cd (0.01), Co (0.01), Cu (1.51 ), Fe (7.33), Li (1.08), Mn (0.12), Mo (0.01), Na (697), Ni (0.11), Pb (0.04), Sr (1.45), V (0.01), and Zn (4.69). The mean concentrations of Cr, K, and Mg (0.14, 1,904, and 243 mg/kg wet wt, respectively) were higher in muscle than in liver (0.05, 1,333 and 236 mg/kg wet wt, respectively). The mean concentrations of Cd and Pb (0.01 and 0.04 mg/kg wet wt) in muscle did not exceed the maximum limits established by a European Commission regulation (0.1 mg of Cd/kg and 0.3 mg of Pb/kg, respectively). Considering a mean daily consumption of fish muscle for the adult population of 31.9 g/day published in the report on food consumption by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment, Mg made the highest contributions to the intake (2.58% for adult women of 60 kg and 2.22% for men of 70 kg), and the estimated intakes of Al (0.35 to 0.46 mg/day), Cd (0.55 to 0.74 mg/day) and Pb (1.66 to 5.53 mg/day) were below the respective established tolerable intakes. In conclusion, the results of this study show that the consumption of muscle from this benthopelagic species can be considered safe in terms of maximum legal limits, while consumption of liver is discouraged as a major source of exposure to toxic metals, such as Al, Cd, and Pb.

Heavy metals in cigarettes for sale in Spain.

The aim of the present study was to determine the concentrations of eight metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr) in 33 cigarette brands for sale in Spain. Samples were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Mean values obtained were 428 µg Al/g, 0.810 µg Cd/g, 0.558 µg Co/g, 1.442 µg Cr/g, 112.026 µg Mn/g, 2.238 µg Ni/g, 0.602 µg Pb/g and 82.206 µg Sr/g. Statistically significant differences were observed with respect to concentrations of Co (0.004), Cr (0.045), Mn (0.005) and Sr (0.005) between black and blond tobacco and between levels of Mn (0.027) among manufacturers. Considering a Cd inhalation rate of 10% and a Cd absorption rate of 50%, absorption of Cd for smokers of 30 cigarettes/day was estimated at 0.75 µg Cd/day. An inhalation rate of 2-6% and an absorption rate of 86% were considered for Pb, Pb absorption in smokers of 30 cigarettes/day was therefore 0.18-0.54 µg/day. In view of the significant toxic effects of these metals, quantification and control of their concentrations in this drug are of the utmost importance.

[Tap water as a dietary source of exposure to fluoride in Tenerife; risk assessment]. / El agua de consumo como fuente de exposición crónica a fluoruro en Tenerife; evaluación del riesgo.

INTRODUCTION: drinking water is the main source of fluoride exposure for the population. According to the Spanish Law RD 140/2003, the fluoride content in drinking water should not exceed the parametric value of 1.5 mg/L. Historically, certain drinking waters in the island of Tenerife have exceeded this value due to the geological/volcanic characteristics of the Canary Islands. Fluoride (F) plays an important role in the prevention of dental caries (tooth decay). However, long exposure to concentrations above 1.5 mg/L in drinking water can cause disorders such as dental fluorosis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the amount of fluoride in the tap waters of the 11 municipalities in the north of the island of Tenerife that, at the time of the study, exceeded the parametric value for fluoride set by the Spanish legislation and to toxicologically estimate and evaluate the fluoride daily intakes from water considering the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) established in Spain for different population groups. METHOD: 44 samples of tap water collected in the 11 municipalities in the study were analyzed using the fluoride potentiometric determination with an ion selective electrode. RESULTS: 9 of the 11 municipalities presented mean fluoride concentrations in their tap water that exceeded the parametric value set by the Spanish legislation (1.5 mg/L). Considering an average daily water consumption of 2 L, the recommended daily intake (RDI) for women (3mg F/day) is exceeded in 9 of the 11 municipalities and the RDI for men (4 mg F/day) is exceeded in 5 of the 11 municipalities. Considering a daily water consumption of 1.5 L, the RDI for children of 2-3 years (0.7 mg/day) is clearly exceeded in all municipalities. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the existing public health problem on the island of Tenerife and justify the tap water consumption restrictions put in force by the Public Health Authorities of the Canary Islands at the time of the study. Children are the most exposed population group to the risks of fluoride because its RDI is lower.

Introducción: el agua de consumo humano es la principal fuente de exposición al fluoruro para la población. De acuerdo con el Real Decreto 140/2003, el contenido en fluoruro en el agua de consumo humano no debe superar el valor paramétrico de 1,5 mg/L. Históricamente, ciertas aguas de consumo en Tenerife han superado este valor debido a sus características geológicas/volcánicas. El flúor juega un papel importante en la prevención de la caries dental. Sin embargo, la exposición crónica a concentraciones superiores a 1,5 mg/L en el agua de bebida puede provocar trastornos como la fluorosis dental. Objetivos: determinar la cantidad de fluoruro en el agua de consumo humano de 11 municipios del norte de la isla de Tenerife que en el momento del estudio superaba el valor paramétrico de fluoruro y estimar y evaluar toxicológicamente las ingestas diarias a partir del consumo de agua considerando las IDR (Ingestas Diarias Recomendadas) establecidas en España para distintos grupos poblacionales. Método: 44 muestras de aguas de abastecimiento público recogidas en los 11 municipios objeto del estudio fueron analizadas usando la determinación potenciométrica de fluoruro mediante el uso de un electrodo de ión selectivo. Resultados: 9 de los 11 municipios las aguas de abasto presentaron concentraciones de fluoruro medias que superaron el valor paramétrico fijado por la legislación española. Considerando un consumo medio diario de agua de 2 L, la ingesta diaria recomendada (IDR) para mujeres (3 mg/día) es superada en 9 de los 11 municipios y la IDR para hombres (4 mg/día) es superada en 5 de los 11 municipios. Considerando un consumo medio diario de agua de 1,5 L, la IDR establecida para los niños de 2 a 3 años (0,7 mg/día) es superada ampliamente en todos los municipios. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos evidencian el problema de salud pública existente en la isla de Tenerife y justifican las restricciones de consumo establecidas por la Dirección General de Salud Pública del Servicio Canario de Salud, vigentes en el momento del estudio. Los niños son el grupo poblacional más expuesto a los riesgos del fluoruro debido a que su IDR es menor.

Essential and toxic metals in taros (Colocasia esculenta) cultivated in the Canary Islands (Spain): evaluation of content and estimate of daily intake.

Taros are a staple in the diet of many people around the world, and they are an excellent source of minerals. Monitoring the levels of metals in food provides basic information that is useful from the perspectives of safety, regulation, and nutrition. Forty-two samples of taros were randomly obtained from supermarkets, vegetable markets, and farmer's plots on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). The edible portion (pulp) was the only part considered for analysis. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was used to determine the contents of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. The levels of Cr, Ni, Cd, and Pb were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Mean concentrations (mg/kg) were 565.6 Na, 2947 K, 231.4 Ca, 364.5 Mg, 1.224 Cu, 3.818 Fe, 1.408 Mn, 2.242 Zn, 0.044 Cr, 0.021 Ni, 0.003 Cd, and 0.006 Pb. The mean concentrations of Cd and Pb were well below the accepted European Commission limits (0.1 mg/kg weight for both metals, respectively). Daily consumption of taro (10.41 g taro/person/day) contributes to the dietary intake of essential metals and trace elements, mainly Mg (1.265% in adult women and 1.084% in adult men) and Cu (1.182% for adult men and women). The average daily intakes of Cd (0.031 µg/day) and Pb (0.062 µg/day) from taro were below the legislated respective tolerable weekly intakes (TWIs). Thus, the samples analyzed were considered safe to eat based on their metal concentrations and legislated allowable intakes.

Metales en algas comestibles: Evaluación y estudio comparativo / Metals in edible algae: evaluation and comparative study

Los contenidos de 4 macroelementos (Na, K, Ca, Mg), 13 elementos traza (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Li, Zn, Ni, Sr, V) y 3 metales tóxicos (Al, Cd, Pb) se determinaron por espectrometría de emisión atómica por plasma acoplado inductivamente (ICP-OES) en 27 muestras de 7 especies de algas comestibles deshidratadas (Porphyra spp., Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Laminaria spp., Undari pinnatífica, Hilmanthia elongata, Ulva lactuca), procedentes de dos orígenes diferentes (la costa asiática y la Unión Europea) y comercializadas en la isla de Tenerife (Islas Canarias, España). Las concentraciones medias (mg/kg) fueron: 4281 (Na), 7179 (K), 3222 (Ca), 2458 (Mg), 38,14 (B), 2,72 (Ba), 0,11 (Co), 0,26 (Cr), 1,98 (Cu), 106 (Fe), 8,21 (Mn), 0,11 (Mo), 2,33 (Li), 10,63 (Zn), 1,02 (Ni), 1,47 (Sr), 1,54 (V), 48,71 (Al), 0,30 (Cd) y 0,17 (Pb). El consumo de algas (4 g/día) podría contribuir a las ingestas dietéticas de metales esenciales y elementos traza principalmente Mg (4,13% de la IDR en mujeres adultas y 3,54% de la IDR en hombres adultos) y Fe (2,36% de la IDR en mujeres adultas y 4,71% de la IDR en hombres adultos). Las ingestas de metales tóxicos (195 μg Al/día 1,18 μg Cd/día y 0,68 μg Pb/día) derivada del consumo de 4 g/día de las algas analizadas no representan riesgo toxicológico para los consumidores (AU)

The content of 4 macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg), 13 trace elements (B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Li, Zn, Ni, Sr, V) and 3 toxic metals (Al, Cd, Pb) were quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in 27 samples of 7 dehydrated edible seaweed species (Porphyra spp., Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Laminaria spp., Undari pinnatífica, Hilmanthia elongata, Ulva lactuca), from two different production origins (Asian coast and European Union) and purchased in Tenerife island (Canary Islands, Spain). Mean concentrations (mg/kg) were: 4281 (Na), 7179 (K), 3222 (Ca), 2458 (Mg), 38.14 (B), 2.72 (Ba), 0.10 (Co), 0.26 (Cr), 1.98 (Cu), 106 (Fe), 8.21 (Mn), 0.11 (Mo), 2.33 (Li), 10.63 (Zn), 1.02 (Ni), 1.47 (Sr),1.54 (V), 48.71 (Al), 0.30 (Cd) and 0.17 (Pb). Daily consumption of seaweed (4 g/day) contributes to the dietary intake of metals, mainly Mg (4.13% of the RDA for adult women, and 3.54% of the RDA for adult men) and Fe (2.36% of the RDA for adult women, and 4.71% of the RDA in adult men). The estimated intakes of toxic metals derived from a daily seaweed consumption of 4 g (195 μg Al/day, 1.18 μg Cd/day and 0.68 μg Pb/day) did not reveal toxicological risks for consumers (AU)