Aquaculture for all

New Research Shows Dogfish, Swordfish and Mussels Accumulate the most Toxic Metals

Water quality Sustainability Economics +5 more

SPAIN - Researchers at the University of Granada have published the largest study to date that analyses the levels of toxic metals (mercury, cadmium, lead, tin and arsenic) in seafood.

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Dogfish, swordfish and mussels: species accumulate more toxic metals


Dogfish, swordfish, mussels and cockles are the species of fish and shellfish that accumulate the greatest amounts of toxic metals such as mercury and lead.

By contrast, the panga (traditionally considered one of the most polluted species) and frozen cod are the two fish most safe for consumption.

The work analysed a total of 485 samples of 43 different species, of which 25 were fresh fish, 12 were preserved fish and six were frozen.

Of the species tested, 18 per cent came from fisheries of Andalusia, with 42 per cent from the rest of Spain, 10 per cent from Europe and 30 per cent from the rest of the world.

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