Metal Concentration in Muscle and Digestive Gland of Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) from Two Coastal Site in Southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy).

Octopus vulgaris constitute an important part of most suitable marine resources for human consumption, however, they can represent a source in chemical contaminants intake such as heavy metals. In this scenario, the aim of the study was the evaluation of the concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) in the muscle and digestive gland of octopus caught from two different locations along Campania coast (Castellammare di Stabia and Napoli) and the estimation of their weekly human intake derived from the ingestion of octopus. Analysing 38 samples showed a higher concentration of Pb in the muscle of octopus in Castellammare di Stabia than in Napoli. No statistical differences were reported for Cd, Pb and Hg concentrations in the digestive gland of octopus between two sampling sites. Differences were observed between the two tissue types, with a higher level of Cd and Pb observed in the digestive gland compared with the muscle. Noteworthy, the consumption of muscle from Castellammare di Stabia could increase Pb intake in heavy consumers of local octopus. In conclusion, the present work determines that it is important to improve strategies to minimize environmental pollution sources in these areas.

Ecotoxicity in Hyriopsis bialatus of copper and zinc biocides used in metal-based antifouling paints.

Biofouling is a costly burden for the shipping industry. Metal-based antifouling paints are widely used to protect submerged surfaces, but the release of metals from coatings and the recoating of hulls can leach large amounts of copper and zinc into aquatic environments, posing a risk for aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. With this study, we studied the time-course metal accumulation and oxidative stress in the digestive gland and the gills of Hyriopsis bialatus, an Asian freshwater mussel, exposed to sublethal concentrations of cuprous chloride (50 and 5 µg/L) and zinc sulfate (1000 and 100 µg/L). Time-dependent accumulation was observed after exposure to copper, but zinc uptake was negligible. Integrated biomarker response (IBRv2) and statistical analysis of individual biomarker levels showed a greater biomarker response in the digestive gland and the gills after exposure to the higher concentration of CuCl and ZnSO4. Both compounds elicited a biochemical response, especially in the digestive gland. Glutathione peroxidase activity was increased after exposure to both metals at both concentrations, suggesting a powerful defense against lipid peroxidation. The biological impact of zinc was less than that of copper, suggesting mitigated ecological pressure.

Heavy Metals in the Muscle and Hepatopancreas of Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in Campania (Italy).

The aim of this study was to carry out a quali-quantitative analysis of the presence of non-essential and essential trace elements in freshwater crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) edible tissues to establish the healthiness of this product and to evaluate the pollution status of the sampling sites included in the present study. P. clarkii is one of the most common species of freshwater crustaceans in Italy, regularly consumed by local people. Moreover, the crayfish, due to its trophic position and diet, can be considered as an excellent bioindicator of the health status of the ecosystem. We collected sixty crayfish samples from two different sites in Campania (Italy): Villa Literno and Sessa Aurunca. Concentrations of trace elements were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Our data showed low concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb, with values below the European Commission MRL (Commission Regulation (EC) 1881/2006). We suggest that data obtained from this study showed that crayfish collected from Villa Literno and Sessa Aurunca were safe for human consumption. Furthermore, the results of this research indicated mild contamination of heavy metals of the sampling sites, indicating a good health status of the area's aquatic ecosystem.