Human dietary exposure to lead and cadmium via the consumption of mussels and seaweeds from San Jorge Gulf, Patagonia Argentina

Lead and cadmium were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in Aulacomya atra, Mytilus edulis, Porphyra columbina and Ulva spp. in two sites of the San Jorge Gulf (Argentina). In Punta Maqueda, M. edulis cadmium concentrations were higher than those measured at the mouth of La Mata stream throughout the year. In A. atra, no statistically significant difference was recorded between the two sampling points. Lead levels do not exceed the limits set by the National Agrifood Health and Quality National Service. Cadmium levels in Punta Maqueda exceed the limit set by the EU and values close to the PTWI have been observed. Lead concentrations in P. columbina and Ulva spp. do not seem to represent a problem for the public health. Nevertheless, all the seaweed samples exceed the values set for cadmium in France, Australia and New Zealand. An intake of 30 g of seaweed would not exceed cadmium PTWI.