Cadmium, lead and metallothionein contents in tissues of the sea bream Sparus aurata from three different fish farming systems
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Abstract
Heavy metals in marine environment have a particular significance
in ecotoxicology, since they are highly persistent and can be
toxic in traces. Metals such as Pb and Cd are potentially toxic and pose
a serial risk for human health when they enter the food chain. Fish
are exposed to metals at different intensities through two major
routes: metal ions dissolved in the water can be absorbed through the
gills; metals bound to solid particles can be ingested and absorbed
through the gut epithelium. For farmed fish, growing conditions
(food and water chemistry) may determine metal composition of fish
tissues as well as the response that these fish exhibit to metal toxicity.
The distribution and bioaccumulation of dietary and waterborne
cadmium and lead in tissues of sea bream Sparus aurata was studied
in relation to three different fish farming systems. Metallothionein
levels in fish tissues were also evaluated