Arsenic contamination in widely consumed Caribbean sharpnose sharks in southeastern Brazil: Baseline data and concerns regarding fisheries resources

Although shark meat is consumed worldwide, elevated arsenic (As) concentrations have been increasingly reported. The Caribbean sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon porosus) is a widely consumed fishing resource in Brazil, with scarce information on As burdens to date. Herein, commercial-sized juvenile Caribbean sharpnose sharks from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) were assessed in this regard, presenting significantly higher hepatic As concentrations in males (8.24 +/- 1.20 mg kg(-1) wet weight; n = 12) compared to females (6.59 +/- 1.87 mg kg(-1) w.w.; n = 8), and a positive correlation (r = 0.74) was noted between female muscle and liver As concentrations, indicating systemic inter-tissue transport not evidenced in males. Arsenic concentrations were over the maximum permissible As limit established in Brazilian legislation for seafood and calculated Target Hazard Quotients suggest consumption risks, although cancer risks were not evidenced. Therefore, Public Health concerns with regard to Caribbean sharpnose shark As burdens deserve careful attention.

Automated summary

The study found that hepatic arsenic concentrations in male Caribbean sharpnose sharks in Brazil were significantly higher than in females, with a positive correlation between female muscle and liver arsenic concentrations. Arsenic concentrations exceeded the permissible limit established in Brazilian legislation for seafood, indicating potential consumption risks.