Bioaccumulation and public health implications of trace metals in edible tissues of the crustaceans Scylla serrata and Penaeus monodon from the Tanzanian coast.
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Date
2017
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Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Abstract
The coastal population in East Africa is grow-
ing rapidly but sewage treatment and recycling facilities
in major cities and towns are poorly developed. Since
estuarine mangroves are the main hotspots for pollut-
ants, there is a potential for contaminants to accumulate
in edible fauna and threaten public health. This study
analysed trace metals in muscle tissues of the giant mud
crabs (Scylla serrata) and the giant tiger prawns
(Penaeus monodon) from the Tanzanian coast, in order
to determine the extent of bioaccumulation and public
health risks. A total of 180 samples of muscle tissues of
S. serrata and 80 of P. monodon were collected from nine sites along the coast. Both species showed high
levels of trace metals in the wet season and significant
bioaccumulation of As, Cu and Zn. Due to their
burrowing and feeding habits, mud crabs were more
contaminated compared to tiger prawns sampled from
the same sites. Apart from that, the measured levels of
Cd, Cr and Pb did not exceed maximum limits for
human consumption. Based on the current trend of fish
consumption in Tanzania (7.7 kg/person/year), the mea-
sured elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn) are not
likely to present health risks to shellfish consumers.
Nevertheless, potential risks of As and Cu cannot be
ruled out if the average per capita consumption is
exceeded. This calls for strengthened waste manage-
ment systems and pollution control measures
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Keywords
Target hazard quotient, Western Indian Ocean, Shrimps, Shellfish, Heavy metal pollution