Health risks associated with consumption of microcystin-contaminated fish and shellfish in three Chinese lakes: Significance for freshwater aquacultures

The risks associated with consuming aquatic products were systematically evaluated by analyzing 26 economically important fish and shellfish species which were harvested monthly from three large lakes in China during the fisheries catch season. Results indicate most of the aquatic products from the three large lakes seem to be unsafe for human consumption due to microcystin accumulations, with the estimated daily intake (EDI) values 5–148 times, 2–50 times and 1.5–4 times higher than the tolerable daily intake (TDI) value in Taihu, Chaohu and Dianchi, respectively. In addition, the toxin accumulation in the harvested organisms varied intensity from month to month and by species which suggests that consumption risks may be reduced or avoided by either adjusting the legal fishing seasons or the species of fish and shellfish harvested. This study will provide new information about the risks associated with the consumption of aquatic products and suggests possible management strategies to reduce or avoid potential health risks.