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Concentrations of some metals (Cd, Cu, As, Hg, Pb) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in edible marine organisms from different trophic levels and feeding behaviour like bivalve molluscs (Mytilus galloprovincialis and Chlamys glabra), gastropod molluscs (Hexaplex trunculus) and some commercial species of fish (Trachurus trachurus, Boops boops, Sarpa salpa and Gobius niger). These species were collected in the first inlet of the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy), classified as 'Site of National Interest' established by National Law 426 (1998) and included in the 'National Environmental Remediation and Restoration Projects'. The aim of this work was to investigate contamination levels and public health risks, associated with consuming seafood harvested from these areas. Moreover, in this study, was also estimated the weekly intake in children and adults, both for metals and PCBs. In comparison with the permissible limits set by EC Regulations, Cd and Pb levels were over the limit in the H. trunculus (in all sampling stations) and in the fish T. trachurus respectively. PCBs were over the legal limit in all sampled species with the exception of M. galloprovincialis (station 1), C. glabra and the herbivorous fish S. salpa. In the fish T. trachurus, for example, the concentration of six target PCBs was about five times higher than the EC limit. The estimated intakes of those trace elements included in this study through seafood consumption by the population exceed the provisional tolerable weekly intake recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives for Cd and Hg in the H. trunculus and T. trachurus, especially in children. Moreover, hazard quotience (HQ) for Hg and Cd was >1 in the children for T. trachurus and H. trunculus consumption. As regard non-dioxin-like PCB (NDL-PCB), the estimated intake were always above the 'provisional guidance value' (70 ng/kg body weight) Arnich et al. (Regul Toxicol Pharm 54: 287-2, 2009) for all sampled organism. Thus, health risks due to the dietary Hg, Cd and PCBs intake, especially for children, cannot be excluded. Therefore, an extended remediation programme is necessary to safeguard marine ecosystem, human health and, not less important, the economic activities, in the Taranto marine area.

Concentrations of metals (Al, Fe, Ti, Ni, Mn, Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb) were determined in surface sediments from Taranto gulf (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy) in order to assess the distribution and the bioavailability of metals. Total metal content and speciation of Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn, Cu and Pb were determined. Sediment cores were also sampled in some stations of particular interest. The analytical results show that metals distribution does not show significant variations in relation to depth. Metal distribution in the Taranto gulf is mainly influenced by industrial wastes from Taranto town, by rivers of the Basilicata region and by prevailing anticlockwise marine currents. These factors cause an accumulation of metals in the sediments near to the coasts of Calabria. The statistical analysis, effected by HCA and PCA methods, can be considered a good starting point in order to classify sediment samples and to locate accumulation areas. Metal speciation shows that Fe, Ni and Zn are present in sediments mainly as sulphides, Mn is present principally in an ion-exchange form or bound to carbonate, while Cu and Pb are mainly present in the fraction bounds to humic acids.

Tissue distributions of metals (mercury, lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese) were determined in six specimens of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba, Meyen) stranded on the Apulian coasts (Southern Italy) between February and June 1987. Methyl mercury and selenium were also determined in the liver samples. The liver accumulated the highest concentrations of metals, except for cadmium and chromium. Metal levels were higher than those found in dolphins living in the Atlantic, but lower than those recorded in the same species from the French Mediterranean coasts. Necroscopic surveys found that all specimens were affected by haemorrhagic gastritis, but the cause was not clear. While it was not possible to related the death of dolphins to a specific cause, or to contaminants, the accumulation of metals is likely to contribute to the health of the organism and represents a risk factor for dolphins.

Surface sediments collected from 10 stations of Taranto Gulf influenced by industrial waste waters were analysed for metals (Hg, Cd, Sn, As, Cu, Pb, Ni, V, Cr, Zn, Mn, Al and Fe), priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Data were compared with the published results from other coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea and with Sediments Quality Guidelines (effect range low-effects range medium, threshold effects level-probable effects level indexes) for evaluation of probable toxic effects on marine organisms. Moreover, mean effects range medium (ERM) and mean probable effects level (PEL) quotients were used to evaluate the degree to which chemicals exceed guidelines. Results suggest an ecotoxicological risk for benthic organisms, mainly in sediments near ironed steel production plant of ILVA, where high concentrations of PAHs were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Samples of Mytilus galloprovincialis were collected monthly during the period July 1999–June 2000 from two mussel culture areas influenced by urban and industrial wastes. These stations, subjected to different environmental impact conditions, are located in the coastal area of Taranto Gulf (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy). Metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe and As) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) in the whole soft tissue of mussels. Seasonal changes in metal concentrations were observed. Metals exhibited maximum values in later winter–early spring, followed by a progressive decrease during the summer. Metal concentrations were similar to those detected in other Italian coastal zones, and indicate that the seafood under investigation poses no hazard to human health because metal content is within the permissible range established for safe consumption by humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

No abstract available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, Cr, Pb and Sn) were investigated in various tissues and organs obtained from striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Apulian coasts (Southern Italy) during April–July 1991. Metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Metal concentrations were generally high in the liver, and low in brain and melon. Some metals showed organ-specific accumulations: copper, tin and zinc exhibited high concentrations in liver, the highest cadmium concentration was observed in kidney. Pathological, microbiological and parasitological surveys were performed on the animals. It was not possible to relate dolphin death to a specific cause, or to contaminants; however, the accumulation of metals may contribute to certain pathological alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]