Residui di metalli pesanti (Hg, Pb, Cd) nel tessuto muscolare di Thunnus thynnus: valutazione del rischio tossicologico per il consumatore.

Mercury, lead and cadmium were determined in muscle tissue of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from the Thyrrenian Sea in order to evaluate the risk for consumer resulting from the consumption of this species. The metal contents, (μg g-1 w.w.), varied from 0.07 to 1.76 (average: 0.61) for mercury, from 0.01 to 0.28 (average: 0.07) for lead and from 0.001 to 0.034 (average: 0.005) for cadmium. The results obtained for lead and cadmium were lower than those recommended by specific legislation, while mercury concentrations exceeded the established limits in 20% of the sample examined. The estimated weekly intake for lead and cadmium do not pose a risk for consumers because was below the limits imposed by WHO. On the contrary the dietary exposure for mercury may be of concern for human health