Element contents in commercial fish species from the Croatian market

Concentrations of toxic (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb) and essential elements (Cu, Fe, Zn) were measured in 11 fish species purchased from supermarkets located in different Croatian cities. Mean element concentrations in fishes ranged: mg kg−1: Al 0.13-3.5, As 0.52-3.4, Cu 0.24-0.88, Fe 2.0-19, Mn 0.095-1.6, Zn 3.4-18; μg kg−1: Cd 0.61-123, Cr 5.0-41, Hg 17-130, Pb 2.0-59, Ni 5.5-51. The highest mean concentrations of elements were found in fishes: Al in cod; Cd in bluefin tuna; Cr in rainbow trout; Hg in European sea bass; Pb in canned sardine; As, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn in sardine. Significant differences in the concentrations of all elements measured were found between fish species. Mean Cd levels of 123 μg kg−1 for bluefin tuna exceeded the European Commision limit of 100 μg kg−1. An estimation of the dietary intake of elements associated with the consumption of the studied fish species, and its comparison with the toxicological reference values is provided. The obtained results suggest a strong reason for public concern with regard to exposure to As and Hg for consumers who often consume certain types of fishes.