Objective To detect the contents of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in retail seafood in Shenzhen, and to provide a basis for food safety supervision.
Methods The levels of As, Cd, and Pb were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in 162 retail seafood samples collected from the marketplaces of Shekou, Futian, and Buji. The potential health risks of the seafood samples were assessed by target hazard quotients (THQs) according to the Maximum levels of contaminants in foods (GB 2762-2012).
Results The As mass fraction was (0.62-2.99) mg/kg in the bivalves and (0.27-2.41) mg/kg in fish. The Cd mass fraction was (0.09-2.30) mg/kg in bivalves and (0.005-0.014) mg/kg in fish. The Pb mass fraction was (0.057-0.62) mg/kg in bivalves and (0.02-0.05) mg/kg in fish.
Conclusion The Cd and Pb levels are higher in bivalves than in fish, and the As level in Lutjanus erythopterus and Paralichthys olivaceus and the Cd level in Argopecten irradias are higher than the maximum contamination levels prescribed in GB 2762-2012. According to the calculated THQs of As, Cd, and Pb, however, the retail seafood are safe and pose little potential health risks.
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