Assessment of cadmium and lead in commercially important seafood from São Francisco do Conde, Bahia, Brazil

In the municipality of São Francisco do Conde, located in Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil, there is a high risk of environmental cadmium and lead contamination produced by industrial sources. In this work, a determination of cadmium and lead contamination in fish (Centropomus undecimalis and Mugil brasiliensis), mussels (Mytella guyanensis) and shrimp (Penaeus brasiliensis) is reported. Forty-seven samples collected from the villages of São Bento, Muribeca and Pati Island were analyzed for their trace metal levels using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Cadmium and lead contents detected in the samples were found to range from 0.01 to 1.04 mg kg−1 and from 0.10 to 5.40 mg kg−1, respectively. Brazilian legislation establishes legal limits for cadmium and lead in fish meat of 1.0 mg kg−1 and 2.0 mg kg−1, respectively. The measured levels of cadmium in most of the mussel samples were within legal limits (1.04 mg kg−1). However, the measured lead contents of some samples of mussel (2.20-5.40 mg kg−1) and shrimp (2.20-3.40 mg kg−1) were found to be above the legal limit. The results demonstrate that the tendency to bioaccumulate trace elements in shellfish and mollusks is greater than that observed in fish.

► The study allowed us to evaluate the content of Cd and Pb in fish species. ► The concentrations of Cd and Pb in fish were compared for species and localities. ► There are few data on the species studied. ► The study can serve as a basis for actions to prevent contamination and of fish in the region. ► The results of the study may help to prevent scarcity and contamination of seafood.