Trace elements in shellfish from Shenzhen, China: Implication of coastal water pollution and human exposure

Shellfish constitute an important component of human diet, especially for those living in coastal regions. Shellfish have attracted extensive attention due to high enrichment of heavy metals. The aims of this study were to investigate the levels of trace elements in shellfish from coastal waters of Shenzhen, China and to assess human intake risks. Nine elements, including chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) were measured in 216 shellfish samples from eight species. Their concentrations (based on wet weight) were: Cr (0.28-21.4 mg kg(-1)), Cu (1.40-158 mg kg(-1)), Fe (16.5-5387 mg kg(-1)), Zn (11.1-847 mg kg(-1)), Mn (1.33-422 mg kg(-1)), Se (0.15-11.8 mg kg(-1)), Cd (0.02-18.4 mg kg(-1)), Pb (