ACCUMULATION OF MERCURY, CADMUIM, LEAD AND ARSENIC IN SWORDFISH AND BLUEFIN TUNA FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic concentrations were measured in the muscle tissue and in the liver of specimens of small size of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) and swordfish (Xiphiasgladius) in order to assess and compare the extent of contamination. Significant differences between metal levels in the two species studied were observed being bluefin tuna more contaminated than swordfish. Tuna, in contrast to swordfish, appearing to be more able to concentrate large amounts of mercury, cadmium and lead, demonstrate a bioindicator of pollution of the open sea ecosystems. In terms of food safety, the muscle tissue of both species may be considered suitable for human consumption, as the metal concentration levels observed were below the limits proposed by the European Community. The findings of this study amplify the scarce database on contaminants available for these species from the Mediterranean Sea