Bioaccumulation of cadmium in muscle and liver tissues of juvenile Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the Indian Ocean.

Bioaccumulation of cadmium in muscle and liver tissues of juvenile Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the Indian Ocean. | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Bioaccumulation of cadmium in muscle and liver tissues of juvenile Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the Indian Ocean. Dhanushka Dilini Jayaweera, K.B. Suneetha Gunawickrama, Anita Evenset, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3885168/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 01 Jul, 2024 Read the published version in Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology → Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The present study evaluated the cadmium (Cd) levels and temporal variation of Cd in dark muscle, white muscle, and liver of juvenile Thunnus albacares . 72 individuals (Standard length: 50 -67cm; weight: 0.8 kg - 2.5 kg) were collected from the selected landing sites in Sri Lanka during the period between April 2021 to May 2022. Total Cd levels were analyzed using an inductivity-coupled Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer. The mean Cd levels (mean ± SD mg/kg dry weight) in different tissues varied with significantly higher levels in the liver (13.62 ± 0.98, p < 0.05), compared to dark muscle (0.52 ± 0.05), and white muscle (0.42 ± 0.04). Cd levels in liver tissues were positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the fish weight. The highest Cd levels in liver tissue and dark muscle were reported in October 2021 (26.35 ± 3.46, 0.93 ± 0.10 mg/kg d.w. respectively) while in white muscle, the highest Cd level was found in November (0.60 ± 0.07 mg/kg d.w.). The Cd levels reported in dark muscles, white muscles, and liver tissues were significantly higher ( p < 0.05 ) during 2 nd inter-monsoon than in the other monsoonal regimes. The measured Cd levels (mg/kg wet weight) in white and dark muscles, were well below the maximum permissible level (0.2 mg/kg wet weight) set by WHO/FAO, but in the liver tissues of all samples were above the level. Accordingly, the edible flesh (white and dark muscles) of T. albacares from the Indian Ocean can be considered safe for human consumption whereas the liver tissues are unsafe. A human with a body weight of 60 kg can consume white muscles up to 4.667 kg per week without exceeding the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake defined by WHO/FAO. consumption juvenile maximum permissible level monsoonal regimes temporal variation Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Introduction In recent decades, oceanic pollution due to anthropogenic sources has substantially increased. Due to rapid industrial development, levels of many pollutants have increased in all environmental compartments (Chouvelon et al. 2017 ). Aquatic animals, including fish, are exposed to a range of contaminants some of which are bioaccumulating in their tissues. Accordingly, particular concern has been devoted to monitoring toxic contaminants in fish which are the most common source of protein from seafood (Chiesa et al. 2016 ). The Indian Ocean is surrounded by several countries with different population densities and industrial activities. It is therefore a potential repository for numerous anthropogenically generated environmental contaminants, including trace metals. Heavy metals in the ocean can also originate from natural sources and some natural processes, including wind-blown dust, may further increase the heavy metal burden (Chen et al. 2018 ). Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential metal with high toxicity and persistence in the human body, and it is one of the most dangerous toxic metals affecting humans (Torres et al. 2016 ). Cd toxicity is associated with reproductive, hepatic, renal, and pulmonary dysfunction while excessive exposure may result in adverse effects including cancer (Varol et al. 2017 ). Cadmium biogeochemical transfer, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification through food webs are influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors (Chouvelon et al. 2017 ). The European Commission has established a maximum permissible limit for cadmium in fish muscle as 0.1µg per gram, which is 10 times lower than the corresponding limit set for mercury (European Food Safety Authority 2009 ). Dietary intake is one of the major pathways of metal exposure for humans. Cd can also enter the human body through occupational or environmental exposure including inhalation, and exposure to soil, dust, and air (Muczynska et al. 2021 ). Cadmium becomes dispersed between the water phase and sediments, while aquatic organisms can readily take up dissolved Cd through the dietary pathways and bioaccumulate in their bodies (Chiesa et al. 2016 ). Fishes take up Cd through food ingestion or direct absorption through the skin or gills (Mehana et al. 2020 ), and uptake depends on environmental conditions such as the quantity of Cd, its chemical form, and water quality (Alizada et al. 2020 ). Cd levels in fish vary with tissue type, age, sex, maturity stage, diet, and trophic level (Chiesa et al. 2016 ). Fish have been extensively used as a bioindicator of metal pollution (Gunningham et al. 2019 ). Elevated levels of Cd in some tuna species have been reported from the Indian Ocean and other oceans (Besada et al. 2006 ; Chouvelon et al. 2017 ; Chen et al. 2018 ). Thunnus albacares (yellowfin tuna) is a long-lived, migratory pelagic species that occupies high trophic levels in tropical waters (Besada et al. 2006 ). Because of their high trophic position and high metabolic rate, T. albacares may accumulate heavy metals including Cd in their tissues and become vulnerable to toxicity (Kojadinovic et al. 2007 ). Sri Lanka is an important tuna-exporting country in the Indian Ocean region, and intense commercial fishing effort focuses on large yellowfin tuna for the export market, while juvenile catches are mainly channeled to the domestic market (Ministry of Fisheries 2013, 2021 ). Cd levels in different tuna species including T. albacares from Sri Lanka have been reported previously (Jinadasa et al. 2010 , 2015 , 2019 ). However, no published data are available on tissue level and temporal variations of Cd in juvenile T. albacares. The objectives of this research were to report the level of Cd in white and dark muscles and liver of T. albacares , to analyze monthly and seasonal variations, and to assess if Cd levels exceed the maximum permissible level established by WHO/FAO and the European Commission. The results are critical to understanding the permissible dietary intake of edible flesh, including dark and white muscles and liver tissues of juvenile T. albacares . Material and methods Sampling preparation A total of 72 samples of juvenile yellowfin tuna (standard length: 50-67cm; Body weight: 0.8 kg -2.5kg) from catches of longline vessels operated in South and West offshore waters around Sri Lanka (Indian Ocean) were collected from Negombo fish landing center (7 0 12’N, 79 0 49’E, n = 12) and Tangalle harbor (5 0 58’ 39”N, 80 0 44’ 2”E, n = 60) during April 2021 to May 2022. Sample preparation for Cd analysis was done in the laboratory at the University of Jaffna, and the standard length (cm) and weight (kg) of each specimen were measured. Liver tissue (approximately 0.005–0.008 kg) and dark and white skeletal muscles (0.02–0.03 kg) from the dorso-caudal region were obtained. Each tissue sample was dried in Petri dishes until constant weight at 60–65 o C using a hot air sterilizer. Dried samples were homogenized using a grinder (Preethi; India), covered in aluminum foil, and stored within a desiccator until further analysis (UNEP/FAO/IAEA/IOC 1984 ). Reagents and materials Analytical reagent grade, concentrated nitric acid (HNO 3 ), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and 30% (w/v) hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) were used for the digestion process. De-ionized water (Milli-Q Water Purification System) was used for cleaning and dilution. All the glassware was soaked in 20% (v/v) HNO 3 for 24 hours and rinsed with de-ionized water prior to use. Sample digestion and elemental measurements The United States Environmental Protection Authority (USEPA) method (3050B) of acid digestion was used with slight modifications. Dried/ grounded muscle and liver tissues (1.00 g each) were weighed (OHAUS, USA) and were transferred separately to Kjeldhal tubes (VELP- SCIENTIFICA). Then 10 mL of conc. HNO 3 was added into each tube and heated at 95 o C ± 5 o C and refluxed for 10–15 minutes, without boiling, using a heating digester (DKL, China). The samples were allowed to cool, added 5 mL of conc. HNO 3 , and refluxed for 30 minutes. Then the solutions were evaporated to approx. 5 mL, without boiling, using a vapor recovery system. After cooling, 2 mL of distilled water and 3 mL of 30% H 2 O 2 were added into each tube, which was subsequently warmed to start the peroxide reaction. Then, 10 mL conc. HCl was added to the acid-peroxide digestate that was heated at 95 o C ± 5 o C, refluxed for 10–15 minutes, and filtered (Whatman No.41). Filtrate was diluted until 50 mL with deionized water and stored. The analysis of Cd was performed by an Inductivity Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS) at the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. All results (means ± SD, three replicates) were expressed in terms of mg kg -1 dry weight. The muscle/liver ratios were calculated using the mean Cd and expressed on a dry weight basis. Assessment of maximum allowable weekly intake Dietary safety was evaluated according to the maximum permissible levels of Cd in fresh fish set by the European Commission and the Joint FAO/ WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Maximum allowable weekly intake (PTWI) was calculated using a provisional tolerable weekly intake value for Cd (Schulz et al. 2017 ). To compare the Cd levels with international standards, data were converted to a wet weight basis using a converting factor of 0.3, assuming the moisture content in the T. albacares tissues is 70% (Karunarathna and Attygalle 2010). Statistical analysis Data and statistical analysis were performed with R commander 4.0.3. software. Data were subjected to the test of normality by Q-Q plot and Shapiro Wilk test and homogeneity of variances by Levene’s test. Extreme values that were identified in the box plots were statistically tested with Grubb's test to exclude outliers before calculating the mean Cd levels. Due to the noncompliance with parametric assumptions, the Kruskal Wallis (Post hoc Dunn test a Bonferroni correction) test performed using tissue type as a fixed factor to assess the significant difference in Cd concentrations between three different tissues and used to evaluate the hypothesis about Cd levels among different monsoon regimes that influence offshore seas around Sri Lanka according to Karunathilaka et al., ( 2017 ) namely first inter-monsoon, southwest monsoon, second inter-monsoon, and northeast monsoon. Pearson product-moment correlation matrix was used to examine the relationship between Cd concentration in different tissues and weight. All hypotheses were tested at p < 0.05 significant level. Quality assurance and validation parameters Quality control procedures included measured recovery percentage, limit of detection, quantification, and repeatability including reagent blanks and certified reference materials. Two blanks with digesting reagents were inserted in each digesting process to detect any alien contaminants. The accuracy of the elemental measurement with the recovery of analytes was evaluated by using three replicates with standard reference materials of ERM-BB422 fish muscle from the European Commission, Joint Research Centre Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), and canned crab meat (T/07279QC) from Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS, UK). The validity of the ICP-MS analytical procedure was verified by the Limit of Detection (LOD) and recovery results of fish muscle (ERM-BB422) and canned crab meat (T/07279QC) as shown in Table 1 . The recovery percentages (94.67%, 95.28%) with good repeatability confirmed the efficacy of the analytical method to monitor the cadmium levels. The LOD value for Cd was 0.001 mg/L for three replicates. Table 1 Verification of standard reference material ERM-BB422 fish muscle, canned crab meat (T/07279QC ) (mg/kg dry weight) obtained in the analysis *Quality Control material Certified value (mg/kg) Experimental value (mg/kg) Recovery (%) ERM-BB422 0.0075 0.0071 ± 0.0004 94.67 T/07279QC 0.106 0.101 ± 0.005 95.28 *The number of replicates for certified reference material was six. Results Tissue variation of Cd in juvenile T. albacares The Cd levels in dark and white muscle tissues of T. albacares ranged from 0.05 to 0.67 mg kg − 1 dry weight (d.w.), and 0.05 to 0.63 mg kg − 1 d.w., respectively. Liver Cd levels were in the range of 1.39 to 40.95 mg kg − 1 d.w. (Table 2 ). Maximum Cd level was observed in liver tissue (13.62 ± 6.20 mg kg − 1 d.w.), followed by dark muscles (0.52 ± 0.23 mg kg − 1 d.w.) and white muscles (0.42 ± 0.16 mg kg − 1 d.w.) (Table 2 ). The ratios of Cd levels (liver/muscle) were 32.4 for the white muscle and 26.2 for the dark muscle. Cd levels were significantly different between tissues (Kruskal Wallis: H = 142.95, df = 2, p-values < 0.05), where liver Cd level was significantly greater than Cd levels in both dark muscle and white muscle (Dunn test with a Bonferroni correction: Z= -10.18, p-value < 0.05 and Z = 10.27, p-value < 0.05 respectively) (Table 2 ). Table 2 Mean Cd levels (± SD) (mg/kg d.w.) in tissues of juvenile Thunnus albacares Tissue type Sample size (n) *Mean Cd (mg/kg d.w.) White muscle 60 0.42 ± 0.16 a Dark muscle 72 0.52 ± 0.23 a Liver 72 13.62 ± 6.20 b *Limit of detection (LOD) was 0.001 mg/L for Cd. a,b Different superscript letters indicate significant differences (Dunn test, p < 0.05 ) between tissue types. A strong significant positive correlation was found between Cd levels in liver tissues and fish weight in juvenile Thunnus albacares (Pearson correlation, r = 0.573, P < 0.05) (Table 3 ). Table 3 Pearson product-moment correlation between Cd levels in different tissues and fish weight of juvenile Thunnus albacares Dark muscle Liver White muscle Weight Dark muscle - p < 0.05 p < 0.05 Liver 0.479* - p < 0.05 White 0.464* 0.171 - weight 0.199 0.573* 0.268 - *The bold values indicate correlation is significant at 0.05 level. Monthly variation of Cd levels in juvenile Thunnus albacares Cd in liver tissue, dark muscle, and white muscle discernibly varied among months within the study period (Fig. 1 , 2 , 3 ). The highest levels of Cd in liver tissue and dark muscle were found in October 2021 (26.35 ± 3.46, 0.93 ± 0.10 mg/kg d.w. respectively) while in white muscle, the highest level was reported in November (0.60 ± 0.07 mg/kg d.w.). The lowest Cd levels in dark muscles and liver tissues were found in July 2021 (0.08 ± 0.007, 2.59 ± 0.007 mg/kg d.w. respectively) while the lowest Cd level in white muscles was reported in December 2021 (0.05 ± 0.001 mg/kg d.w.) with much lower values below the LOD reported in April 2022. Cd levels in liver and dark muscles showed an increasing trend from July to October 2021 whereas Cd levels in white muscles showed an increasing trend from September to November 2021. Discernible decreasing trends of Cd levels were observed in dark muscles, white muscles, and liver tissues from October to December, November to December, and October to January respectively. Cd in dark muscle and white muscle showed much more fluctuation over the months than liver Cd levels. Seasonal variation of Cd in tissues Seasonal variations of Cd in different tissues are depicted in Table 4 showing the Cd levels in the four seasons namely, first inter-monsoon (March-April), southwest monsoon (May-September), second inter-monsoon (October-November), and northeast monsoon (December-February) (Karunathilaka et al. 2017 ). The most discernible changes in Cd levels among seasons were found in dark muscles, white muscles, and liver tissues during the 1st inter-monsoon (0.23 ± 0.11, 0.26 ± 0.09, and 10.77 ± 5.31 mg/kg d.w. respectively) and 2nd inter-monsoon (0.63 ± 0.04, 0.52 ± 0.08, and 21.78 ± 2.25 mg/kg d.w. respectively). The highest Cd levels in dark muscles, white muscles, and liver tissues were found in 2nd inter-monsoon regime. For liver tissues, dark muscles, and white muscles, significant Cd concentration differences were attributed among the four different monsoon regimes (Wilcoxon rank sum test: W = 13.3, W = 13.07 and W = 32.7, p < 0.05 respectively). Table 4 Seasonal variation of mean (± SD) Cd levels (mg/kg dry weight) in dark muscle, white muscle, and liver tissues in juvenile Thunnus albacares. Monsoon regimes indicate first-inter monsoon; March-April, Second-inter monsoon; October-November, Southwest monsoon; May-September and Northeast monsoon; December-February (Karunathilaka et al. 2017 ) Tissue type N Monsoon regimes *Cd levels (mg/kg d.w) Dark muscle 12 1st Inter-monsoon 0.23 ± 0.11 a 30 Southwest monsoon 0.33 ± 0.17 ab 12 2nd Inter-monsoon 0.63 ± 0.04 b 18 Northeast monsoon 0.42 ± 0.21 ab White muscle 12 1st Inter-monsoon 0.26 ± 0.09 a 30 Southwest monsoon 0.19 ± 0.14 a 12 2nd Inter-monsoon 0.52 ± 0.08 b 18 Northeast monsoon 0.43 ± 0.14 b Liver 12 1st Inter-monsoon 10.77 ± 5.31 a 30 Southwest monsoon 11.63 ± 6.2 a 12 2nd Inter-monsoon 21.78 ± 2.25 b 18 Northeast monsoon 9.73 ± 3.63 a * Significant differences between monsoon seasons are indicated by non-shared superscript letters within a given tissue type (p < 0.05, Kruskal Wallis and Dunn test) Health risk assessment According to the regulations of Maximum Permissible limits (MPLs) set by FAO/WHO for the T. albacares edible tissues, the mean Cd levels of dark and white muscles were below the MPLs during four monsoon regimes (Table 5 ). According to the European Commission (EU) regulation, mean Cd levels found in dark muscles and white muscles during 2nd Inter-monsoon and Northeast monsoon exceeded the permitted level. Cd levels recorded for liver tissues from all individuals analyzed in this study well exceeded the limit set by both FAO/WHO and EU (European Food Safety Authority 2009 ; Vracko et al. 2007 ). Table 5 Mean Cd levels (mg/kg wet weight basis) in juvenile Thunnus albacares in different monsoon regimes. Values in bold font show the Cd level above permissible limits in edible tuna tissues established by the European Union (E), and FAO/WHO (F) Monsoon regimes* Cd levels in dark muscles Cd levels in white muscles Cd levels in liver tissues 1st IM 0.05 ± 0.01 0.06 ± 0.01 2.91 ± 1.30 e,f SW 0.07 ± 0.03 0.04 ± 0.01 3.47 ± 2.10 e,f 2nd IM 0.17 ± 0.03 e 0.13 ± 0.02 e 6.28 ± 0.90 e,f NE 0.11 ± 0.06 e 0.10 ± 0.06 e 2.63 ± 0.98 e,f e European Union regulation The MAL is 0.1 mg/kg for Cd for Thunnus species f FAO/WHO 0.2 mg/kg for Cd *IM = Inter monsoon, SW = Southwest monsoon, NE = Northeast monsoon Discussion The present study reported Cd levels in three tissue types of juvenile Thunnus albacares collected from waters around Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. Tissue levels of Cd had not been reported in juvenile T. albacares prior to this work and hence the findings are important to assess the health risks of Cd for consumers. Further, the lack of previously published data on Cd levels in dark and white muscle of juvenile T. albacares prevents a comprehensive comparison of present results. Increased input of Cd arising from industrial development in the countries bordering the Indian Ocean has been suggested (Chen et al. 2018 ) and therefore, T. albacares in the Indian Ocean in general may accumulate higher Cd levels compared to other oceans. The variation of Cd levels in tissues can be integrated with natural, geographical, and biological factors. Miedico et al. ( 2020 ) reported comparatively lower Cd level (median: 0.0132 mg kg − 1 wet weight) in muscle tissues of T. albacares caught in Italy. Results obtained by Besada et al. ( 2006 ) found that Cd level (median: 0.004 mg kg − 1 wet weight) in muscle tissues of T. albacares (size ranged from 96–145 cm) caught from the Atlantic Ocean also lower than the Cd levels (1st IM: 0.06 ± 0.0, SW: 0.04 ± 0.01, 2nd IM: 0.13 ± 0.02, NE: 0.10 ± 0.06 mg kg − 1 wet weight) reported in the present study. The geographic variation in Cd levels of the fish may be related to the available waterborne Cd levels within its distribution range. Population growth, and industrial development associated with the Indian Ocean region are some prominent factors that may induce Cd contamination in the Indian Ocean (Chen et al. 2018 ). According to the United States Geological Survey, India is the top ten Cd-producing country with an annual Cd production of 600 metric tons (Schulz et al. 2017 ). Apart from natural sources, mining is a major contributor to the increase in trace metals in the Indian Ocean region (Chen et al. 2018 ). In addition, coal burning, use of mineral fertilizers, domestic effluents, and industrial wastewater released from bordering nations without treatment are important sources of Cd (Chen et al. 2018 ), and it will be important to study large-scale geographical variation in Cd loads in fish. Although the mean Cd levels in the dark muscle of T. albacares were apparently slightly higher than that in the white muscle, there was no significant difference in Cd between the two muscle types. No previously published data are available in this regard for the same species. However, slightly higher Hg levels in the dark muscles than the white muscles were reported for T. albacares by Bosch et al. ( 2016 ) which suggested that, this variation could be caused by differences in muscle function. The dark muscles of T. albacares are developed with strong muscle fibers to produce thrust for fast and continuous swimming (Bosch et al. 2016 ). High muscle activity and fiber development in the dark muscles may provide more protein-binding sites for Cd accumulation ((Bosch et al. 2016 ). Hence, this can contribute to the slight differences in Cd levels between the dark and white muscles of T. albacares in the present study. Cd levels (mg/kg wet weight) in the dark and white muscles of juvenile T. albacares (0.8 -2.5kg) reported in this study are apparently higher than values reported by previous studies for adults from the Indian Ocean. Jinadasa et.al. ( 2019 ) reported a Cd level of 0.017 mg kg − 1 in muscle tissues of adult T. albacares (mean weight: 45.9 kg) caught from the Indian Ocean around Sri Lanka. The mean Cd levels of muscle tissue of the present also exceeded the values reported for flesh/muscles (0.02–0.03 mg kg − 1 ) of T. albacares (weight range from 35–55 kg) from Lakshadweep Island, India (Farejiya and Dikshit, 2016 ). Cd levels in both muscle tissues in this study were above the values reported in adult T. albacares from the Mozambique Channel and Reunion Island (0.25 ± 0.21mg kg − 1 d.w., and 0.23 ± 0.20 mg kg − 1 d.w. respectively) (Kojadinovic et al. 2007 ). Higher Cd levels from juvenile T. albacares may be linked to their diet composition. Previous studies have reported high Cd levels in cephalopods which are reported as a common food item for T. albacares , especially for juveniles (Das et al. 2000 ). Therefore, higher Cd levels in muscles of juvenile T. albacares in the present study are likely to be linked to their cephalopod diet. Verification in this regard is however needed. Significantly higher Cd levels were recorded in the liver tissues of T. albacares than in the muscle tissues. These findings are consistent with previous studies conducted by several authors (Farejiya and Dikshit 2016 ; Kojadinovic et al. 2007 ). A similar pattern was observed for T. albacares collected from the Red Sea, Egypt by Moselhy et al. ( 2014 ). Kojadinovic et al. ( 2007 ) reported higher Cd levels in liver tissues of adult T. albacares caught around the Mozambique Channel and Reunion Island in the western Indian Ocean (138 ± 60 mg kg − 1 d.w. and 126 ± 130 mg kg − 1 d.w. respectively) than the mean values measured in the present study. The ratios of Cd concentration between liver and muscle tissues (dark and white) (L/M ratio) reveal the relative distribution of Cd between different tissue types. Apparently, higher L/M ratios were observed for white muscle (32.4) than for dark muscle (26.2) owing to slightly higher Cd levels found in the dark muscles of T. albacares . L/M ratio generally depends on the chemical properties of trace metals, species, and tissue-specific variation (Gaspic et al. 2002 ). The liver/muscle Cd-ratios have been calculated for marine fishes from different trophic levels. For instance, L/M ratios for fish in lower trophic levels such as hake (2.72) and red mullet (3.95) were much lower than those for T. albacares (Gaspic et al. 2002 ). Higher L/M ratios reported in present studies and elsewhere indicate a greater Cd bioaccumulation in liver tissues in top predatory species like T. albacares . Cd bioaccumulation in liver tissues is linked with the Cd filtered from the digestive tract (Alizada et al. 2020 ). The liver is the target organ for metal bioaccumulation (Moselhy et al. 2014 ). Higher liver Cd levels found in the liver tissues than in either of the muscle tissues of juvenile T. albacares were in agreement with this. Higher concentrations of Cd in liver tissues of T. albacares corroborate a high intake of cadmium from direct sources (dietary) or indirect sources. Furthermore, cadmium is readily accumulated in liver tissues due to metallothionine formation (Gaspic et al. 2002 ). Metallothionines can displace essential metals such as Pb with Cd ions in the liver tissues (Moselhy et al. 2014 ). The present study found a significant positive correlation between Cd concentrations in liver tissues and the weight of the fish. This might be due to the increased induction of cadmium-binding protein in the liver with increasing specimen size (Ancora et al. 2020 ). There is no literature available for monthly variation of Cd level in T. albacares in the Indian Ocean. Monthly variation of Cd in muscle and liver tissues could be attributed to the availability of Cd in the seawater and the differences in the rate of Cd uptake by T. albacares (Srichandan et al. 2016 ). Comparatively high Cd concentration in the Indian Ocean water was reported in November (0.01 ppb) 2011, due to the Cd from industrial effluents and sewage entering the coastal water during inter-monsoon (Srichandan et al. 2016 ). Peak Cd levels in all three tissues in the present study were reported through October and November 2022 indicating a greater availability of Cd during 2nd inter-monsoon in agreement with Srichandan et al. ( 2016 ) observation. Metals loads in fishes might fluctuate due to a combination of ecological factors, biological factors, and the persistence of residual contaminants from anthropogenic sources associated with monsoonal changes (Digoarachchi et al. 2022 ; Srichandan et al. 2016 ; Zhang et al. 2023 ). The present study also investigated seasonal variation in tissue Cd levels, and the results indicated a higher Cd load during the 2nd inter-monsoon than in the other monsoon regimes. This might be due to the high rainfall experienced in many regions of the country during the 2nd inter-monsoonal season rather than the region-specific rainfall pattern during the monsoon season in Sri Lanka (Karunathilaka et al. 2017 ), leading to discharges of industrial effluents, and sewage into the ocean with river influx (Srichandan et al. 2016 ). Consumers should be aware of seasonal variations in Cd level especially the peak seasons to avoid intake of higher Cd load through their diet. Similarly, greater attention should be given to the long-term monitoring of heavy metals in marine fishes of high consumer preference. Generally, the target size of T. albacares in the Sri Lankan domestic market is less than 2 kg, while the larger sizes are considered preferably for the export market. For Cd levels in edible muscle tissues, the most prominent aspect is the evaluation of toxicity for human consumption. European Food Safety Authority has established a provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for cadmium at 0.007 mg kg − 1 body weight (bw)/week (European Food Safety Authority 2009 ). Based on the PTWI value, we calculated the maximum allowable weekly intake of white muscles of T. albaacres to be 4.667 kg for an average adult of 60 kg body weight. The estimated daily intake (666.7 g/day) based on PTWI value is much greater than the per capita fish consumption (43 g/day) in Sri Lanka reported by Jinadasa et al ( 2019 ). Accordingly, the inference is that the Cd level of edible tissues may not exceed the safety margins when the fish is consumed at a similar daily intake. Based on the maximum permissible levels in edible, dark, and white muscles of juvenile T. albacares we suggest that the fish is within the secure confine for human consumption during 1st inter-monsoon and southwest monsoon regimes. Consumers however should limit the consumption of juvenile T. albacares during 2nd inter-monsoon and northeast monsoon as Cd levels exceeded the maximum permissible levels set by the European Union. Cd levels in liver tissues exceeded safety levels set by both the European Union and FAO/WHO throughout all monsoon periods. Therefore, the results confirmed that people should avoid the consumption of the liver of juvenile T. albacares to be safe from Cd toxicity. Conclusion This study characterized and gathered the first data on the variation of Cd levels in muscle and liver tissues of juvenile T. albacares in Sri Lanka monthly as well as seasonally. Liver tissues had significantly higher Cd levels than the white and dark muscle tissues. A significant positive correlation between Cd levels in liver tissues and fish weight was found. Cd levels in all three tissue types exhibited temporal variations, with higher Cd levels in juvenile T. albacares during the 2nd inter-monsoon than that is found in other monsoon regimes over 13 months from April 2021 to May 2022. The Cd levels in white and dark muscle tissues of T. albacares are generally lower than the maximum permissible level (MPLs) set by FAO/WHO during four monsoon regimes, whereas higher levels than the MPLs set by the European Commission were reported during 2nd inter-monsoon and northeast monsoon. Based on the maximum allowable weekly intake value and average Cd levels in dark and white muscles, it can be concluded that the consumption of juvenile T. albacares tuna is still safe for consumers. Cd levels in liver tissues of juvenile T. albacares were greater than MPL throughout the study period and therefore, its human consumption should be discouraged. Statements & Declarations Declarations Funding The partial financial support was received from the NOR-LANKA BLUE project (DIKU grant NORPART 2018/10045 at UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø) for laboratory analysis. Competing interests The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article. Authors’ Contribution All authors contributed significantly to the study's conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Dhanushka Dilini Jayaweera. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Dhanushka Dilini Jayaweera. The first draft was reviewed, commented and edited by Sivashanthini Kuganathan, Suneetha Gunawickrama, and Anita Evenset. This study was supervised by Sivashanthini Kuganathan, Suneetha Gunawickrama, and Anita Evenset. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Availability of data and material All data generated during this study are included and presented in this paper. Code availability (software application or custom code) Not applicable Compliance with Ethical Standards Ethics approval It is declared that the study involved no human participants. Consent to participate The authors declare that they all consented to participate in the research work. Consent for publication The authors declare that they all consented to publish this research work. References Alizada N, Malik S, Muzaffar SB (2020) Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in tissues of Indian anchovy ( Stolephorus indicus ) from the UAE coast, Arabian Gulf. Mar Pollut Bull 154:111033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111033 Ancora S, Mariotti G, Ponchia R, Fossi MC, Leonzio C, Bianchi N (2020) Trace elements levels in muscle and liver of a rarely investigated large pelagic fish: The Mediterranean spearfish Tetrapturus belone (Rafinesque, 1810). Mar Pollut Bull 151:110878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110878 Besada V, Gonzalez JJ, Schultze F (2006) Mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, copper and zinc concentrations in albacore, yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna from the Atlantic Ocean. Ciencias Marinas 32:439–445. http://dx.doi.org/10.7773/cm.v32i22.1083 Bosch AC, Neill BO, Sigge GO, Kerwath SE, Hoffman LC (2016) Mercury accumulation in Yellowfin tuna ( Thunnus albacares ) with regards to muscle type, muscle position, and fish size. Food Chem 190:351–356. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.109 Chen CY, Chen YT, Chen KS, Hsu CC, Liu LL, Chen HS, Chen MH (2018) Arsenic and five metal concentrations in the muscle tissue of bigeye tuna ( Thunnus obesus ) in the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Mar Pollut Bull 129:186–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.028 Chiesa LM, Labella GF, Panseri S, Pavlovic R, Bonacci S, Arioli F (2016) Distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in wild bluefin tuna ( Thunnus thynnus) from different FAO capture zones. Chemosphere 153:162–169. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.010 Chouvelon T, Papa CB, Auger D, Bodin N, Bruzac S, Corchet S, Nikolic N (2017) Chemical contaminants (trace metals, persistent organic pollutants) in albacore tuna from western Indian and south-eastern Atlantic Oceans: Trophic influence and potential as tracers of populations. Sci Total Environ 596:481–495. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.048 Das K, Lepoint G, Loizeau V, Debacker V, Dauby P, Bouquegneau M (2000) Tuna and dolphine associations in the North-east Atlantic: Evidence of different ecological niches from stable isotope and heavy metal measurements. Mar Pollut Bull 40:102–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-326X(99)00178-2 Digoarachchi DA, Walpita CN, Sandamali JD (2022) Determination of geographical and seasonal variation of heavy metals in swordfish ( Xiphias gladius ) and yellowfin tuna ( Thunnus albacares ). Int J Curr Sci Res Rev 05:2243–2250. 10.47191/ijcsrr/V5-i7-03 European Food Safety Authority (2009) Scientific opinion of the panel on contaminants in the food chain. EFSA J 980:1–139. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.980 FAO/WHO (1989) Evaluation of certain food additives and the contaminants mercury, lead and cadmium. WHO Technical Report, Series No.505, World Health Organization, Geneva, p 14 Farejiya MK, Dikshit AK (2016) Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in tunas caught from Lakshweep Islands, India. International Journal of Environmental and Ecological Engineering 10:697–700. scholar.waset.org/1307–6892/10004847 Gaspic ZK, Zvonaric T, Vrgoc N, Odzak N, Baric A (2002) Cadmium and lead in selected tissues of two commercially important fish species from the Adriatic Sea. Water Res 36:5023–5028. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0043-1354(02)00111-2 Gunningham PA, Sullivan EE, Everett KH, Kovach SS, Rajan A, Barber MC (2019) Assessment of metal contamination in Arabian/Persian Gulf fish: A review. Mar Pollut Bull 143:264–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.007 Jinadasa BK, Ahmad SB, Edirisinghe EM, Wickramasinghe I (2014) Mercury content in yellowfin tuna ( Thunnus albacares ) and swordfish ( Xiphias gladius ) and estimation of mercury intake. Jornal of food security 2:23–36. 10.12691/jfs-2-1-3 Jinadasa BK, Chathurika GS, Jayaweera CD, Jayasinghe GD (2019) Mercury and cadmium in swordfish and yellowfin tuna and health risk assessment for Sri Lankan consumers. Food Addit Contam 12:75–80. https://doi.org/10.1080/19393210.2018.1551247 Jinadasa BK, Mahaliyana AS, Liyanage NP, Jayasinghe GD (2015) Trace metals in the muscle tissues of skipjack tuna ( Kastuwonus pelamis ) in Sri Lanka. Cogent Food & Agriculture 1:1038975. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2015.1038975 Jinadasa BK, Rameesha LR, Edirisinghe EM, Rathnayake RM (2010) Mercury, cadmium and lead levels in three commercially important marine fish species of in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka J Aquat Sci 15:39–43. https://doi.org/10.4038/SLJAS.V15I0.5481 Karunarathna KA, A U, Attygalle MVE (2010) Nutritional evaluation in five species of tuna. Vidyodaya J Sci 15:7–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.31357/vjs.v15i0.211 Karunathilaka KLAA, Dabare HKV, Nandalal KD (2017) Changes in rainfall in Sri Lanka during 1966–2015. Engineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka 50: 39–48. https://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v50i2.7251 Kojadinovic J, Potier M, Corre ML, Cosson RP, Bustamante P (2007) Bioaccumulation of trace elements in pelagic fish from the Western Indian Ocean. Environ Pollut 146:548–566. 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.07.015 Mehana ESE, Khafaga AE, Elblehi SS, El Hack ME, Naiel MA, Jumah MB, Allam AA (2020) Biomonitoring of Heavy metal pollution using Acanthocephalans parasite in ecosystem: An updated overview. Animals 10:811–816. 10.3390/ani10050811 Miedico O, Pompa C, Moscatelli S, Chiappinelli A, Carosielli L, Chiaravalle AE (2020) Lead, cadmium and mercury in canned and unprocessed tuna: six-years monitoring survey, comparison with previous studies and recommended tolerable limits. J Food Compos Anal 94:103638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2020.103638 Ministry of Fisheries (2021) Fisheries statistics 2021. Ministry of Fisheries, Colombo, p p28 Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Sri Lanka (2013) Analysis of catch assessment of tuna fisheries in Sri Lanka. Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Sri Lanka, Colombo, pp 45–48 Moselhy KME, Othman AI, Azem HAE, Metwally MEA (2014) Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in some tissues of fish in the Red Sea, Egypt. Egypt J Basic Appl Sci 1:97–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbas.2014.06.001 Muczynska MW, Socha K, Soroczynska J, Niczyporuk M, Borwska M (2021) Cadmium, lead and mercury in the blood of psoriatic and vitiligo patients and their possible associations with dietary habits. Sci Total Environ 757:143967. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143967 Schulz KJ, John H, Young D, Robert R, Dwight C (2017) Critical mineral resources of the United state: Economic and environmental geology and prospects for future supply, 2 edn. Geological survey (U.S), Virginia, pp 155–191 Srichandan S, Panigrahy RC, Baliarsingh SK, Rao S, Pati P, Sahu BK, Sahu KC (2016) Distribution of trace metals in surface seawater and zooplankton of the Bay of Bengal, off Rushikulya estuary, East Coast of India. Mar Pollut Bull 111:468–475. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.099 Stephane G, Laurent C (2007) Bengal arsenic, and archive of Himalayan orogeny and paleohydrology. J Environ Sci health 42:1785–1794. https://doi.org/10.1080/10934520701566702 Torres P, Rodrigues A, Soares L, Garcia P (2016) Metal concentrations in two commercial tuna species from an active volcanic region in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean. Arch Environ contam toxicol 70:341–347. 10.1007/s00244-015-0249-1 UNEP/FAO/IAEA/IOC (1984) Sampling of selected marine organisms, sample preparation for trace metal analysis. Reference methods for marine pollution studies 7:5–6. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11822/1163 Varol M, Kaya GK, Alp A (2017) Heavy metal and arsenic concentrations in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) farmed in a dam reservoir on the Firat (Euphrates) river: Risk-based consumption advisories. Sci Total Environ 599:1288–1296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.052 Vracko P, Tuomisto J, Grad J, Kunseler E (2007) Exposure of children to chemical hazards in food. World Health Organization, Copenhagen, Denmark. http://www.euro.who.int/ World Economic Forum (2017) Retrieved August 5 2017, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/07/11-facts-about-world-population-youmight-not-know/ Zhang X, Zhu Y, Li B, Tefsen B, Wang Z, Wells M (2023) We need to plan streamlined environmental impact assessment for the future X-Press Pearl disasters. Mar Pollut Bull 188:114705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114705 Supplementary Files AuthorChecklist.pdf Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 01 Jul, 2024 Read the published version in Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology → Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-3885168","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":272196036,"identity":"69e90158-6759-4e9a-9cd9-907156931c0a","order_by":0,"name":"Dhanushka Dilini Jayaweera","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA4UlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYDCCG2CSmYePmYHhwAcgk42dWC1sQC0HZ4C0MBOphYENrBHCxg/4bjc/e8zDYC3Dxs578LDNr23yQBcyfviYg1uL5J1j5sY8DOlAh/ElHM7tu23YxszALDlzG24tBjcSzKR5GA4DtfAYHM7tuc0I1MLGzItXS/o3hBbLntv2RGjJQbKF4cftRIJaJG/klEnOMUgHaznY23A7uY2ZsRmvX/hupG+TeFNhbc/Pf8b4w48/t23ntzcf/PARjxao86A0YxuYbCCkHhn8IUXxKBgFo2AUjBQAACRIRjoNCjOLAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6976-433X","institution":"University of Jaffna","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Dhanushka","middleName":"Dilini","lastName":"Jayaweera","suffix":""},{"id":272196037,"identity":"243ab33b-1f31-42e3-8d24-151f51924f87","order_by":1,"name":"K.B. Suneetha Gunawickrama","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Ruhuna","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"K.B.","middleName":"Suneetha","lastName":"Gunawickrama","suffix":""},{"id":272196038,"identity":"a3d4b9aa-2737-425b-864f-a64ffb632b9f","order_by":2,"name":"Anita Evenset","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Akvaplan-niva AS","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Anita","middleName":"","lastName":"Evenset","suffix":""},{"id":272196039,"identity":"b8f7d5c1-c7c4-4a19-ac42-afe5e6c13c9e","order_by":3,"name":"Sivashanthini Kuganathan","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Jaffna","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Sivashanthini","middleName":"","lastName":"Kuganathan","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-01-21 16:01:29","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3885168/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3885168/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-024-03917-7","type":"published","date":"2024-07-01T07:09:46+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":51081556,"identity":"1d1299a0-d037-4e67-9d3a-175b25574126","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-13 19:17:30","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":25831,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMonthly variations of the mean (± SD) Cd levels (mg/kg dry weight) in the dark muscle of juvenile \u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares \u003c/em\u003efrom April 2021 to May 2022\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3885168/v1/65dd808b621ecfa27e13c245.png"},{"id":51081558,"identity":"3f1fdaa7-c6dd-4921-b5db-aaf31d747204","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-13 19:17:31","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":25509,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMonthly variations of mean (± SD) Cd levels (mg/kg dry weight) in white muscle of juvenile \u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares\u003c/em\u003e from April 2021 to May 2022 (For April 2022 all values were below the limit of detection, LOD 0.001 mg/L).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3885168/v1/2d5cfc92f810bdf708eabe6b.png"},{"id":51081559,"identity":"52ecf510-c6fd-4bc1-8ac2-b62426282860","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-13 19:17:31","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":25724,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMonthly variations of mean (± SD) Cd levels (mg/kg dry weight) in liver tissues of juvenile \u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares\u003c/em\u003e from April 2021 to May 2022\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3885168/v1/7d14b8c387fd55b6e6c7bc58.png"},{"id":60971074,"identity":"09b70883-401b-4f8d-8269-e58b748a230e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-07-24 07:09:51","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":784439,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3885168/v1/15201682-f0ad-46a7-bc7c-c4d01e87ab5f.pdf"},{"id":51081557,"identity":"ac6e8376-57ba-4f35-957a-8f76879bdf9a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-13 19:17:30","extension":"pdf","order_by":6,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":160528,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"AuthorChecklist.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3885168/v1/5e962f534e770b770b45ab77.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"Bioaccumulation of cadmium in muscle and liver tissues of juvenile Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the Indian Ocean.","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn recent decades, oceanic pollution due to anthropogenic sources has substantially increased. Due to rapid industrial development, levels of many pollutants have increased in all environmental compartments (Chouvelon et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Aquatic animals, including fish, are exposed to a range of contaminants some of which are bioaccumulating in their tissues. Accordingly, particular concern has been devoted to monitoring toxic contaminants in fish which are the most common source of protein from seafood (Chiesa et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Indian Ocean is surrounded by several countries with different population densities and industrial activities. It is therefore a potential repository for numerous anthropogenically generated environmental contaminants, including trace metals. Heavy metals in the ocean can also originate from natural sources and some natural processes, including wind-blown dust, may further increase the heavy metal burden (Chen et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential metal with high toxicity and persistence in the human body, and it is one of the most dangerous toxic metals affecting humans (Torres et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Cd toxicity is associated with reproductive, hepatic, renal, and pulmonary dysfunction while excessive exposure may result in adverse effects including cancer (Varol et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Cadmium biogeochemical transfer, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification through food webs are influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors (Chouvelon et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). The European Commission has established a maximum permissible limit for cadmium in fish muscle as 0.1\u0026micro;g per gram, which is 10 times lower than the corresponding limit set for mercury (European Food Safety Authority \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDietary intake is one of the major pathways of metal exposure for humans. Cd can also enter the human body through occupational or environmental exposure including inhalation, and exposure to soil, dust, and air (Muczynska et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Cadmium becomes dispersed between the water phase and sediments, while aquatic organisms can readily take up dissolved Cd through the dietary pathways and bioaccumulate in their bodies (Chiesa et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Fishes take up Cd through food ingestion or direct absorption through the skin or gills (Mehana et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e), and uptake depends on environmental conditions such as the quantity of Cd, its chemical form, and water quality (Alizada et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Cd levels in fish vary with tissue type, age, sex, maturity stage, diet, and trophic level (Chiesa et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Fish have been extensively used as a bioindicator of metal pollution (Gunningham et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eElevated levels of Cd in some tuna species have been reported from the Indian Ocean and other oceans (Besada et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e; Chouvelon et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Chen et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). \u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares\u003c/em\u003e (yellowfin tuna) is a long-lived, migratory pelagic species that occupies high trophic levels in tropical waters (Besada et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e). Because of their high trophic position and high metabolic rate, \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e may accumulate heavy metals including Cd in their tissues and become vulnerable to toxicity (Kojadinovic et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSri Lanka is an important tuna-exporting country in the Indian Ocean region, and intense commercial fishing effort focuses on large yellowfin tuna for the export market, while juvenile catches are mainly channeled to the domestic market (Ministry of Fisheries 2013, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Cd levels in different tuna species including \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e from Sri Lanka have been reported previously (Jinadasa et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). However, no published data are available on tissue level and temporal variations of Cd in juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares.\u003c/em\u003e The objectives of this research were to report the level of Cd in white and dark muscles and liver of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e, to analyze monthly and seasonal variations, and to assess if Cd levels exceed the maximum permissible level established by WHO/FAO and the European Commission. The results are critical to understanding the permissible dietary intake of edible flesh, including dark and white muscles and liver tissues of juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Material and methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSampling preparation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA total of 72 samples of juvenile yellowfin tuna (standard length: 50-67cm; Body weight: 0.8 kg -2.5kg) from catches of longline vessels operated in South and West offshore waters around Sri Lanka (Indian Ocean) were collected from Negombo fish landing center (7\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e 12\u0026rsquo;N, 79\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e 49\u0026rsquo;E, n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12) and Tangalle harbor (5\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e 58\u0026rsquo; 39\u0026rdquo;N, 80\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e 44\u0026rsquo; 2\u0026rdquo;E, n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;60) during April 2021 to May 2022.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSample preparation for Cd analysis was done in the laboratory at the University of Jaffna, and the standard length (cm) and weight (kg) of each specimen were measured. Liver tissue (approximately 0.005\u0026ndash;0.008 kg) and dark and white skeletal muscles (0.02\u0026ndash;0.03 kg) from the dorso-caudal region were obtained. Each tissue sample was dried in Petri dishes until constant weight at 60\u0026ndash;65 \u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eC using a hot air sterilizer. Dried samples were homogenized using a grinder (Preethi; India), covered in aluminum foil, and stored within a desiccator until further analysis (UNEP/FAO/IAEA/IOC \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1984\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eReagents and materials\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalytical reagent grade, concentrated nitric acid (HNO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and 30% (w/v) hydrogen peroxide (H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) were used for the digestion process. De-ionized water (Milli-Q Water Purification System) was used for cleaning and dilution. All the glassware was soaked in 20% (v/v) HNO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e for 24 hours and rinsed with de-ionized water prior to use.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSample digestion and elemental measurements\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe United States Environmental Protection Authority (USEPA) method (3050B) of acid digestion was used with slight modifications. Dried/ grounded muscle and liver tissues (1.00 g each) were weighed (OHAUS, USA) and were transferred separately to Kjeldhal tubes (VELP- SCIENTIFICA). Then 10 mL of conc. HNO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e was added into each tube and heated at 95 \u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eC \u0026plusmn; 5 \u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eC and refluxed for 10\u0026ndash;15 minutes, without boiling, using a heating digester (DKL, China). The samples were allowed to cool, added 5 mL of conc. HNO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, and refluxed for 30 minutes. Then the solutions were evaporated to approx. 5 mL, without boiling, using a vapor recovery system.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfter cooling, 2 mL of distilled water and 3 mL of 30% H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e were added into each tube, which was subsequently warmed to start the peroxide reaction. Then, 10 mL conc. HCl was added to the acid-peroxide digestate that was heated at 95 \u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eC \u0026plusmn; 5 \u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eC, refluxed for 10\u0026ndash;15 minutes, and filtered (Whatman No.41). Filtrate was diluted until 50 mL with deionized water and stored.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe analysis of Cd was performed by an Inductivity Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS) at the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. All results (means\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD, three replicates) were expressed in terms of mg kg\u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e dry weight. The muscle/liver ratios were calculated using the mean Cd and expressed on a dry weight basis.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAssessment of maximum allowable weekly intake\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e Dietary safety was evaluated according to the maximum permissible levels of Cd in fresh fish set by the European Commission and the Joint FAO/ WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Maximum allowable weekly intake (PTWI) was calculated using a provisional tolerable weekly intake value for Cd (Schulz et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). To compare the Cd levels with international standards, data were converted to a wet weight basis using a converting factor of 0.3, assuming the moisture content in the \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e tissues is 70% (Karunarathna and Attygalle 2010).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eData and statistical analysis were performed with R commander 4.0.3. software. Data were subjected to the test of normality by Q-Q plot and Shapiro Wilk test and homogeneity of variances by Levene\u0026rsquo;s test. Extreme values that were identified in the box plots were statistically tested with Grubb's test to exclude outliers before calculating the mean Cd levels. Due to the noncompliance with parametric assumptions, the Kruskal Wallis (Post hoc Dunn test a Bonferroni correction) test performed using tissue type as a fixed factor to assess the significant difference in Cd concentrations between three different tissues and used to evaluate the hypothesis about Cd levels among different monsoon regimes that influence offshore seas around Sri Lanka according to Karunathilaka et al., (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e) namely first inter-monsoon, southwest monsoon, second inter-monsoon, and northeast monsoon. Pearson product-moment correlation matrix was used to examine the relationship between Cd concentration in different tissues and weight. All hypotheses were tested at \u003cem\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e significant level.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eQuality assurance and validation parameters\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eQuality control procedures included measured recovery percentage, limit of detection, quantification, and repeatability including reagent blanks and certified reference materials. Two blanks with digesting reagents were inserted in each digesting process to detect any alien contaminants. The accuracy of the elemental measurement with the recovery of analytes was evaluated by using three replicates with standard reference materials of ERM-BB422 fish muscle from the European Commission, Joint Research Centre Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), and canned crab meat (T/07279QC) from Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS, UK).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe validity of the ICP-MS analytical procedure was verified by the Limit of Detection (LOD) and recovery results of fish muscle (ERM-BB422) and canned crab meat (T/07279QC) as shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e. The recovery percentages (94.67%, 95.28%) with good repeatability confirmed the efficacy of the analytical method to monitor the cadmium levels. The LOD value for Cd was 0.001 mg/L for three replicates.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVerification of standard reference material ERM-BB422 fish muscle, canned crab meat (T/07279QC\u003cem\u003e)\u003c/em\u003e (mg/kg dry weight) obtained in the analysis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e*Quality Control material\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCertified value (mg/kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExperimental value (mg/kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecovery (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eERM-BB422\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0075\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0071\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT/07279QC\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.106\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\"\u0026plusmn;\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.101\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.005\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e95.28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e*The number of replicates for certified reference material was six.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eTissue variation of Cd in juvenile T. albacares\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe Cd levels in dark and white muscle tissues of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e ranged from 0.05 to 0.67 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e dry weight (d.w.), and 0.05 to 0.63 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e d.w., respectively. Liver Cd levels were in the range of 1.39 to 40.95 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e d.w. (Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Maximum Cd level was observed in liver tissue (13.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.20 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e d.w.), followed by dark muscles (0.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.23 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e d.w.) and white muscles (0.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.16 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e d.w.) (Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The ratios of Cd levels (liver/muscle) were 32.4 for the white muscle and 26.2 for the dark muscle. Cd levels were significantly different between tissues (Kruskal Wallis: H\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;142.95, df\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2, p-values\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), where liver Cd level was significantly greater than Cd levels in both dark muscle and white muscle (Dunn test with a Bonferroni correction: Z= -10.18, p-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 and Z\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;10.27, p-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 respectively) (Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean Cd levels (\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD) (mg/kg d.w.) in tissues of juvenile \u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTissue type\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSample size (n)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e*Mean Cd (mg/kg d.w.)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhite muscle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.16\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDark muscle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.23\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLiver\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.20\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e*Limit of detection (LOD) was 0.001 mg/L for Cd.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003ea,b\u003c/sup\u003e Different superscript letters indicate significant differences (Dunn test, \u003cem\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e) between tissue types.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA strong significant positive correlation was found between Cd levels in liver tissues and fish weight in juvenile \u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares\u003c/em\u003e (Pearson correlation, r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.573, P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePearson product-moment correlation between Cd levels in different tissues and fish weight of juvenile \u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDark muscle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLiver\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhite muscle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWeight\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDark muscle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLiver\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.479*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhite\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.464*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.171\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eweight\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.199\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.573*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.268\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e-\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e*The bold values indicate correlation is significant at 0.05 level.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eMonthly variation of Cd levels in juvenile Thunnus albacares\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCd in liver tissue, dark muscle, and white muscle discernibly varied among months within the study period (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). The highest levels of Cd in liver tissue and dark muscle were found in October 2021 (26.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.46, 0.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.10 mg/kg d.w. respectively) while in white muscle, the highest level was reported in November (0.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.07 mg/kg d.w.). The lowest Cd levels in dark muscles and liver tissues were found in July 2021 (0.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.007, 2.59\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.007 mg/kg d.w. respectively) while the lowest Cd level in white muscles was reported in December 2021 (0.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.001 mg/kg d.w.) with much lower values below the LOD reported in April 2022. Cd levels in liver and dark muscles showed an increasing trend from July to October 2021 whereas Cd levels in white muscles showed an increasing trend from September to November 2021. Discernible decreasing trends of Cd levels were observed in dark muscles, white muscles, and liver tissues from October to December, November to December, and October to January respectively. Cd in dark muscle and white muscle showed much more fluctuation over the months than liver Cd levels.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eSeasonal variation of Cd in tissues\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeasonal variations of Cd in different tissues are depicted in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e showing the Cd levels in the four seasons namely, first inter-monsoon (March-April), southwest monsoon (May-September), second inter-monsoon (October-November), and northeast monsoon (December-February) (Karunathilaka et al. \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). The most discernible changes in Cd levels among seasons were found in dark muscles, white muscles, and liver tissues during the 1st inter-monsoon (0.23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.11, 0.26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.09, and 10.77\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.31 mg/kg d.w. respectively) and 2nd inter-monsoon (0.63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04, 0.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.08, and 21.78\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.25 mg/kg d.w. respectively). The highest Cd levels in dark muscles, white muscles, and liver tissues were found in 2nd inter-monsoon regime. For liver tissues, dark muscles, and white muscles, significant Cd concentration differences were attributed among the four different monsoon regimes (Wilcoxon rank sum test: W\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;13.3, W\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;13.07 and W\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;32.7, \u003cem\u003ep\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/em\u003e respectively).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSeasonal variation of mean (\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD) Cd levels (mg/kg dry weight) in dark muscle, white muscle, and liver tissues in juvenile \u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares.\u003c/em\u003e Monsoon regimes indicate first-inter monsoon; March-April, Second-inter monsoon; October-November, Southwest monsoon; May-September and Northeast monsoon; December-February (Karunathilaka et al. \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTissue type\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eN\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMonsoon regimes\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e*Cd levels (mg/kg d.w)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDark muscle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1st Inter-monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.11\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSouthwest monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.17\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2nd Inter-monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.04\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNortheast monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.21\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhite muscle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1st Inter-monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.26\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.09\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSouthwest monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.14\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2nd Inter-monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.08\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNortheast monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.14\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLiver\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1st Inter-monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.77\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.31\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSouthwest monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.2\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2nd Inter-monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.78\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.25\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNortheast monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.73\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.63\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e Significant differences between monsoon seasons are indicated by non-shared superscript letters within a given tissue type (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05, Kruskal Wallis and Dunn test)\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eHealth risk assessment\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAccording to the regulations of Maximum Permissible limits (MPLs) set by FAO/WHO for the \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e edible tissues, the mean Cd levels of dark and white muscles were below the MPLs during four monsoon regimes (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). According to the European Commission (EU) regulation, mean Cd levels found in dark muscles and white muscles during 2nd Inter-monsoon and Northeast monsoon exceeded the permitted level. Cd levels recorded for liver tissues from all individuals analyzed in this study well exceeded the limit set by both FAO/WHO and EU (European Food Safety Authority \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e; Vracko et al. \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMean Cd levels (mg/kg wet weight basis) in juvenile \u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares\u003c/em\u003e in different monsoon regimes. Values in bold font show the Cd level above permissible limits in edible tuna tissues established by the European Union (E), and FAO/WHO (F)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMonsoon regimes*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCd levels in dark muscles\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCd levels in white muscles\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCd levels in liver tissues\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1st IM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.06\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.91\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.30\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ee,f\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSW\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.10\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ee,f\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2nd IM\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.03\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ee\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ee\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6.28\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.90\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ee,f\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNE\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ee\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ee\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.63\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.98\u003c/strong\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ee,f\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003ee\u003c/sup\u003eEuropean Union regulation The MAL is 0.1 mg/kg for Cd for \u003cem\u003eThunnus\u003c/em\u003e species\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003ef\u003c/sup\u003eFAO/WHO 0.2 mg/kg for Cd\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e*IM\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Inter monsoon, SW\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Southwest monsoon, NE\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Northeast monsoon\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study reported Cd levels in three tissue types of juvenile \u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares\u003c/em\u003e collected from waters around Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. Tissue levels of Cd had not been reported in juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e prior to this work and hence the findings are important to assess the health risks of Cd for consumers. Further, the lack of previously published data on Cd levels in dark and white muscle of juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e prevents a comprehensive comparison of present results. Increased input of Cd arising from industrial development in the countries bordering the Indian Ocean has been suggested (Chen et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e) and therefore, \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e in the Indian Ocean in general may accumulate higher Cd levels compared to other oceans. The variation of Cd levels in tissues can be integrated with natural, geographical, and biological factors. Miedico et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) reported comparatively lower Cd level (median: 0.0132 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e wet weight) in muscle tissues of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e caught in Italy. Results obtained by Besada et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e) found that Cd level (median: 0.004 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e wet weight) in muscle tissues of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e (size ranged from 96\u0026ndash;145 cm) caught from the Atlantic Ocean also lower than the Cd levels (1st IM: 0.06\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0, SW: 0.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.01, 2nd IM: 0.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.02, NE: 0.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.06 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e wet weight) reported in the present study. The geographic variation in Cd levels of the fish may be related to the available waterborne Cd levels within its distribution range. Population growth, and industrial development associated with the Indian Ocean region are some prominent factors that may induce Cd contamination in the Indian Ocean (Chen et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). According to the United States Geological Survey, India is the top ten Cd-producing country with an annual Cd production of 600 metric tons (Schulz et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Apart from natural sources, mining is a major contributor to the increase in trace metals in the Indian Ocean region (Chen et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). In addition, coal burning, use of mineral fertilizers, domestic effluents, and industrial wastewater released from bordering nations without treatment are important sources of Cd (Chen et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e), and it will be important to study large-scale geographical variation in Cd loads in fish.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlthough the mean Cd levels in the dark muscle of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e were apparently slightly higher than that in the white muscle, there was no significant difference in Cd between the two muscle types. No previously published data are available in this regard for the same species. However, slightly higher Hg levels in the dark muscles than the white muscles were reported for \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e by Bosch et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e) which suggested that, this variation could be caused by differences in muscle function. The dark muscles of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e are developed with strong muscle fibers to produce thrust for fast and continuous swimming (Bosch et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). High muscle activity and fiber development in the dark muscles may provide more protein-binding sites for Cd accumulation ((Bosch et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Hence, this can contribute to the slight differences in Cd levels between the dark and white muscles of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e in the present study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCd levels (mg/kg wet weight) in the dark and white muscles of juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e (0.8 -2.5kg) reported in this study are apparently higher than values reported by previous studies for adults from the Indian Ocean. Jinadasa et.al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) reported a Cd level of 0.017 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e in muscle tissues of adult \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e (mean weight: 45.9 kg) caught from the Indian Ocean around Sri Lanka. The mean Cd levels of muscle tissue of the present also exceeded the values reported for flesh/muscles (0.02\u0026ndash;0.03 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e (weight range from 35\u0026ndash;55 kg) from Lakshadweep Island, India (Farejiya and Dikshit, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Cd levels in both muscle tissues in this study were above the values reported in adult \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e from the Mozambique Channel and Reunion Island (0.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.21mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e d.w., and 0.23\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.20 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e d.w. respectively) (Kojadinovic et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigher Cd levels from juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e may be linked to their diet composition. Previous studies have reported high Cd levels in cephalopods which are reported as a common food item for \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e, especially for juveniles (Das et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e). Therefore, higher Cd levels in muscles of juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e in the present study are likely to be linked to their cephalopod diet. Verification in this regard is however needed.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSignificantly higher Cd levels were recorded in the liver tissues of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e than in the muscle tissues. These findings are consistent with previous studies conducted by several authors (Farejiya and Dikshit \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Kojadinovic et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). A similar pattern was observed for \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e collected from the Red Sea, Egypt by Moselhy et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Kojadinovic et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e) reported higher Cd levels in liver tissues of adult \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e caught around the Mozambique Channel and Reunion Island in the western Indian Ocean (138\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;60 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e d.w. and 126\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;130 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e d.w. respectively) than the mean values measured in the present study. The ratios of Cd concentration between liver and muscle tissues (dark and white) (L/M ratio) reveal the relative distribution of Cd between different tissue types. Apparently, higher L/M ratios were observed for white muscle (32.4) than for dark muscle (26.2) owing to slightly higher Cd levels found in the dark muscles of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e. L/M ratio generally depends on the chemical properties of trace metals, species, and tissue-specific variation (Gaspic et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e). The liver/muscle Cd-ratios have been calculated for marine fishes from different trophic levels. For instance, L/M ratios for fish in lower trophic levels such as hake (2.72) and red mullet (3.95) were much lower than those for \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e (Gaspic et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e). Higher L/M ratios reported in present studies and elsewhere indicate a greater Cd bioaccumulation in liver tissues in top predatory species like \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e. Cd bioaccumulation in liver tissues is linked with the Cd filtered from the digestive tract (Alizada et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe liver is the target organ for metal bioaccumulation (Moselhy et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Higher liver Cd levels found in the liver tissues than in either of the muscle tissues of juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e were in agreement with this. Higher concentrations of Cd in liver tissues of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e corroborate a high intake of cadmium from direct sources (dietary) or indirect sources. Furthermore, cadmium is readily accumulated in liver tissues due to metallothionine formation (Gaspic et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e). Metallothionines can displace essential metals such as Pb with Cd ions in the liver tissues (Moselhy et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). The present study found a significant positive correlation between Cd concentrations in liver tissues and the weight of the fish. This might be due to the increased induction of cadmium-binding protein in the liver with increasing specimen size (Ancora et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is no literature available for monthly variation of Cd level in \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e in the Indian Ocean. Monthly variation of Cd in muscle and liver tissues could be attributed to the availability of Cd in the seawater and the differences in the rate of Cd uptake by \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e (Srichandan et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Comparatively high Cd concentration in the Indian Ocean water was reported in November (0.01 ppb) 2011, due to the Cd from industrial effluents and sewage entering the coastal water during inter-monsoon (Srichandan et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Peak Cd levels in all three tissues in the present study were reported through October and November 2022 indicating a greater availability of Cd during 2nd inter-monsoon in agreement with Srichandan et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e) observation. Metals loads in fishes might fluctuate due to a combination of ecological factors, biological factors, and the persistence of residual contaminants from anthropogenic sources associated with monsoonal changes (Digoarachchi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Srichandan et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Zhang et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe present study also investigated seasonal variation in tissue Cd levels, and the results indicated a higher Cd load during the 2nd inter-monsoon than in the other monsoon regimes. This might be due to the high rainfall experienced in many regions of the country during the 2nd inter-monsoonal season rather than the region-specific rainfall pattern during the monsoon season in Sri Lanka (Karunathilaka et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e), leading to discharges of industrial effluents, and sewage into the ocean with river influx (Srichandan et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Consumers should be aware of seasonal variations in Cd level especially the peak seasons to avoid intake of higher Cd load through their diet. Similarly, greater attention should be given to the long-term monitoring of heavy metals in marine fishes of high consumer preference.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGenerally, the target size of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e in the Sri Lankan domestic market is less than 2 kg, while the larger sizes are considered preferably for the export market. For Cd levels in edible muscle tissues, the most prominent aspect is the evaluation of toxicity for human consumption. European Food Safety Authority has established a provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for cadmium at 0.007 mg kg\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e body weight (bw)/week (European Food Safety Authority \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e). Based on the PTWI value, we calculated the maximum allowable weekly intake of white muscles of \u003cem\u003eT. albaacres\u003c/em\u003e to be 4.667 kg for an average adult of 60 kg body weight. The estimated daily intake (666.7 g/day) based on PTWI value is much greater than the per capita fish consumption (43 g/day) in Sri Lanka reported by Jinadasa et al (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Accordingly, the inference is that the Cd level of edible tissues may not exceed the safety margins when the fish is consumed at a similar daily intake.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on the maximum permissible levels in edible, dark, and white muscles of juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e we suggest that the fish is within the secure confine for human consumption during 1st inter-monsoon and southwest monsoon regimes. Consumers however should limit the consumption of juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e during 2nd inter-monsoon and northeast monsoon as Cd levels exceeded the maximum permissible levels set by the European Union. Cd levels in liver tissues exceeded safety levels set by both the European Union and FAO/WHO throughout all monsoon periods. Therefore, the results confirmed that people should avoid the consumption of the liver of juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e to be safe from Cd toxicity.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study characterized and gathered the first data on the variation of Cd levels in muscle and liver tissues of juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e in Sri Lanka monthly as well as seasonally. Liver tissues had significantly higher Cd levels than the white and dark muscle tissues. A significant positive correlation between Cd levels in liver tissues and fish weight was found. Cd levels in all three tissue types exhibited temporal variations, with higher Cd levels in juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e during the 2nd inter-monsoon than that is found in other monsoon regimes over 13 months from April 2021 to May 2022. The Cd levels in white and dark muscle tissues of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e are generally lower than the maximum permissible level (MPLs) set by FAO/WHO during four monsoon regimes, whereas higher levels than the MPLs set by the European Commission were reported during 2nd inter-monsoon and northeast monsoon. Based on the maximum allowable weekly intake value and average Cd levels in dark and white muscles, it can be concluded that the consumption of juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e tuna is still safe for consumers. Cd levels in liver tissues of juvenile \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e were greater than MPL throughout the study period and therefore, its human consumption should be discouraged.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatements \u0026amp; Declarations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe partial financial support was received from the\u0026nbsp;NOR-LANKA BLUE project (DIKU grant NORPART 2018/10045 at UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Troms\u0026oslash;)\u0026nbsp;for laboratory analysis.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026rsquo; Contribution\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors contributed significantly to the study\u0026apos;s conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Dhanushka Dilini Jayaweera. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Dhanushka Dilini Jayaweera. The first draft was reviewed, commented and edited by\u0026nbsp;Sivashanthini Kuganathan, Suneetha Gunawickrama, and Anita Evenset. \u0026nbsp;This study was supervised by Sivashanthini Kuganathan, Suneetha Gunawickrama, and Anita Evenset. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and material\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll data generated during this study are included and presented in this paper.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCode availability\u003c/strong\u003e (software application or custom code)\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompliance with Ethical Standards\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is declared that the study involved no human participants.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they all consented to participate in the research work.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they all consented to publish this research work.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlizada N, Malik S, Muzaffar SB (2020) Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in tissues of Indian anchovy (\u003cem\u003eStolephorus indicus\u003c/em\u003e) from the UAE coast, Arabian Gulf. Mar Pollut Bull 154:111033. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111033\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111033\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAncora S, Mariotti G, Ponchia R, Fossi MC, Leonzio C, Bianchi N (2020) Trace elements levels in muscle and liver of a rarely investigated large pelagic fish: The Mediterranean spearfish \u003cem\u003eTetrapturus belone\u003c/em\u003e (Rafinesque, 1810). Mar Pollut Bull 151:110878. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110878\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110878\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBesada V, Gonzalez JJ, Schultze F (2006) Mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, copper and zinc concentrations in albacore, yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna from the Atlantic Ocean. Ciencias Marinas 32:439\u0026ndash;445. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://dx.doi.org/10.7773/cm.v32i22.1083\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.7773/cm.v32i22.1083\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBosch AC, Neill BO, Sigge GO, Kerwath SE, Hoffman LC (2016) Mercury accumulation in Yellowfin tuna (\u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares\u003c/em\u003e) with regards to muscle type, muscle position, and fish size. Food Chem 190:351\u0026ndash;356. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.109\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.109\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChen CY, Chen YT, Chen KS, Hsu CC, Liu LL, Chen HS, Chen MH (2018) Arsenic and five metal concentrations in the muscle tissue of bigeye tuna (\u003cem\u003eThunnus obesus\u003c/em\u003e) in the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Mar Pollut Bull 129:186\u0026ndash;193. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.028\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.028\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChiesa LM, Labella GF, Panseri S, Pavlovic R, Bonacci S, Arioli F (2016) Distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in wild bluefin tuna (\u003cem\u003eThunnus thynnus)\u003c/em\u003e from different FAO capture zones. Chemosphere 153:162\u0026ndash;169. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.010\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.010\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChouvelon T, Papa CB, Auger D, Bodin N, Bruzac S, Corchet S, Nikolic N (2017) Chemical contaminants (trace metals, persistent organic pollutants) in albacore tuna from western Indian and south-eastern Atlantic Oceans: Trophic influence and potential as tracers of populations. Sci Total Environ 596:481\u0026ndash;495. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.048\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.048\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDas K, Lepoint G, Loizeau V, Debacker V, Dauby P, Bouquegneau M (2000) Tuna and dolphine associations in the North-east Atlantic: Evidence of different ecological niches from stable isotope and heavy metal measurements. Mar Pollut Bull 40:102\u0026ndash;109. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-326X(99)00178-2\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/S0025-326X(99)00178-2\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDigoarachchi DA, Walpita CN, Sandamali JD (2022) Determination of geographical and seasonal variation of heavy metals in swordfish (\u003cem\u003eXiphias gladius\u003c/em\u003e) and yellowfin tuna (\u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares\u003c/em\u003e). Int J Curr Sci Res Rev 05:2243\u0026ndash;2250. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.47191/ijcsrr/V5-i7-03\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.47191/ijcsrr/V5-i7-03\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEuropean Food Safety Authority (2009) Scientific opinion of the panel on contaminants in the food chain. EFSA J 980:1\u0026ndash;139. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.980\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.2903/j.efsa.2009.980\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFAO/WHO (1989) Evaluation of certain food additives and the contaminants mercury, lead and cadmium. WHO Technical Report, Series No.505, World Health Organization, Geneva, p 14\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFarejiya MK, Dikshit AK (2016) Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in tunas caught from Lakshweep Islands, India. International Journal of Environmental and Ecological Engineering 10:697\u0026ndash;700. scholar.waset.org/1307\u0026ndash;6892/10004847\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGaspic ZK, Zvonaric T, Vrgoc N, Odzak N, Baric A (2002) Cadmium and lead in selected tissues of two commercially important fish species from the Adriatic Sea. Water Res 36:5023\u0026ndash;5028. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0043-1354(02)00111-2\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/S0043-1354(02)00111-2\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGunningham PA, Sullivan EE, Everett KH, Kovach SS, Rajan A, Barber MC (2019) Assessment of metal contamination in Arabian/Persian Gulf fish: A review. Mar Pollut Bull 143:264\u0026ndash;283. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.007\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.007\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJinadasa BK, Ahmad SB, Edirisinghe EM, Wickramasinghe I (2014) Mercury content in yellowfin tuna (\u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares\u003c/em\u003e) and swordfish (\u003cem\u003eXiphias gladius\u003c/em\u003e) and estimation of mercury intake. Jornal of food security 2:23\u0026ndash;36. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.12691/jfs-2-1-3\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.12691/jfs-2-1-3\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJinadasa BK, Chathurika GS, Jayaweera CD, Jayasinghe GD (2019) Mercury and cadmium in swordfish and yellowfin tuna and health risk assessment for Sri Lankan consumers. Food Addit Contam 12:75\u0026ndash;80. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1080/19393210.2018.1551247\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1080/19393210.2018.1551247\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJinadasa BK, Mahaliyana AS, Liyanage NP, Jayasinghe GD (2015) Trace metals in the muscle tissues of skipjack tuna (\u003cem\u003eKastuwonus pelamis\u003c/em\u003e) in Sri Lanka. Cogent Food \u0026amp; Agriculture 1:1038975. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2015.1038975\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1080/23311932.2015.1038975\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJinadasa BK, Rameesha LR, Edirisinghe EM, Rathnayake RM (2010) Mercury, cadmium and lead levels in three commercially important marine fish species of in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka J Aquat Sci 15:39\u0026ndash;43. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.4038/SLJAS.V15I0.5481\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.4038/SLJAS.V15I0.5481\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKarunarathna KA, A U, Attygalle MVE (2010) Nutritional evaluation in five species of tuna. Vidyodaya J Sci 15:7\u0026ndash;16. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://dx.doi.org/10.31357/vjs.v15i0.211\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.31357/vjs.v15i0.211\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKarunathilaka KLAA, Dabare HKV, Nandalal KD (2017) Changes in rainfall in Sri Lanka during 1966\u0026ndash;2015. Engineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka 50: 39\u0026ndash;48. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v50i2.7251\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.4038/engineer.v50i2.7251\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKojadinovic J, Potier M, Corre ML, Cosson RP, Bustamante P (2007) Bioaccumulation of trace elements in pelagic fish from the Western Indian Ocean. Environ Pollut 146:548\u0026ndash;566. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1016/j.envpol.2006.07.015\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.envpol.2006.07.015\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMehana ESE, Khafaga AE, Elblehi SS, El Hack ME, Naiel MA, Jumah MB, Allam AA (2020) Biomonitoring of Heavy metal pollution using Acanthocephalans parasite in ecosystem: An updated overview. Animals 10:811\u0026ndash;816. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.3390/ani10050811\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.3390/ani10050811\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMiedico O, Pompa C, Moscatelli S, Chiappinelli A, Carosielli L, Chiaravalle AE (2020) Lead, cadmium and mercury in canned and unprocessed tuna: six-years monitoring survey, comparison with previous studies and recommended tolerable limits. J Food Compos Anal 94:103638. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2020.103638\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.jfca.2020.103638\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinistry of Fisheries (2021) Fisheries statistics 2021. Ministry of Fisheries, Colombo, p p28\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinistry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Sri Lanka (2013) Analysis of catch assessment of tuna fisheries in Sri Lanka. Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Sri Lanka, Colombo, pp 45\u0026ndash;48\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMoselhy KME, Othman AI, Azem HAE, Metwally MEA (2014) Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in some tissues of fish in the Red Sea, Egypt. Egypt J Basic Appl Sci 1:97\u0026ndash;105. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbas.2014.06.001\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.ejbas.2014.06.001\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMuczynska MW, Socha K, Soroczynska J, Niczyporuk M, Borwska M (2021) Cadmium, lead and mercury in the blood of psoriatic and vitiligo patients and their possible associations with dietary habits. Sci Total Environ 757:143967. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143967\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143967\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSchulz KJ, John H, Young D, Robert R, Dwight C (2017) Critical mineral resources of the United state: Economic and environmental geology and prospects for future supply, 2 edn. Geological survey (U.S), Virginia, pp 155\u0026ndash;191\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSrichandan S, Panigrahy RC, Baliarsingh SK, Rao S, Pati P, Sahu BK, Sahu KC (2016) Distribution of trace metals in surface seawater and zooplankton of the Bay of Bengal, off Rushikulya estuary, East Coast of India. Mar Pollut Bull 111:468\u0026ndash;475. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.099\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.099\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStephane G, Laurent C (2007) Bengal arsenic, and archive of Himalayan orogeny and paleohydrology. J Environ Sci health 42:1785\u0026ndash;1794. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1080/10934520701566702\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1080/10934520701566702\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTorres P, Rodrigues A, Soares L, Garcia P (2016) Metal concentrations in two commercial tuna species from an active volcanic region in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean. Arch Environ contam toxicol 70:341\u0026ndash;347. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1007/s00244-015-0249-1\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1007/s00244-015-0249-1\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUNEP/FAO/IAEA/IOC (1984) Sampling of selected marine organisms, sample preparation for trace metal analysis. Reference methods for marine pollution studies 7:5\u0026ndash;6. URI: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11822/1163\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11822/1163\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVarol M, Kaya GK, Alp A (2017) Heavy metal and arsenic concentrations in rainbow trout (\u003cem\u003eOncorhynchus mykiss\u003c/em\u003e) farmed in a dam reservoir on the Firat (Euphrates) river: Risk-based consumption advisories. Sci Total Environ 599:1288\u0026ndash;1296. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.052\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.052\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVracko P, Tuomisto J, Grad J, Kunseler E (2007) Exposure of children to chemical hazards in food. World Health Organization, Copenhagen, Denmark. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://www.euro.who.int/\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"http://www.euro.who.int/\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorld Economic Forum (2017) Retrieved August 5 2017, from \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/07/11-facts-about-world-population-youmight-not-know/\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/07/11-facts-about-world-population-youmight-not-know/\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZhang X, Zhu Y, Li B, Tefsen B, Wang Z, Wells M (2023) We need to plan streamlined environmental impact assessment for the future X-Press Pearl disasters. Mar Pollut Bull 188:114705. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114705\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114705\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"consumption, juvenile, maximum permissible level, monsoonal regimes, temporal variation","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3885168/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3885168/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study evaluated the cadmium (Cd) levels and temporal variation of Cd in dark muscle, white muscle, and liver of juvenile \u003cem\u003eThunnus albacares\u003c/em\u003e. 72 individuals (Standard length: 50 -67cm; weight: 0.8 kg - 2.5 kg) were collected from the selected landing sites in Sri Lanka during the period between April 2021 to May 2022.\u0026nbsp; Total Cd levels were analyzed using an inductivity-coupled Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer. The mean Cd levels (mean ± SD mg/kg dry weight) in different tissues varied with significantly higher levels in the liver (13.62 ± 0.98, p \u0026lt; 0.05), compared to dark muscle (0.52 ± 0.05), and white muscle (0.42 ± 0.04). Cd levels in liver tissues were positively correlated (p \u0026lt; 0.05) with the fish weight. The highest Cd levels in liver tissue and dark muscle were reported in October 2021 (26.35 ± 3.46, 0.93 ± 0.10 mg/kg d.w. respectively) while in white muscle, the highest Cd level was found in November (0.60 ± 0.07 mg/kg d.w.). \u0026nbsp;The Cd levels reported in dark muscles, white muscles, and liver tissues were significantly higher (\u003cem\u003ep \u0026lt; 0.05\u003c/em\u003e) during 2\u003csup\u003end\u003c/sup\u003e inter-monsoon than in the other monsoonal regimes. The measured Cd levels (mg/kg wet weight) in white and dark muscles, were well below the maximum permissible level (0.2 mg/kg wet weight) set by WHO/FAO, but in the liver tissues of all samples were above the level.\u0026nbsp; Accordingly, the edible flesh (white and dark muscles) of \u003cem\u003eT. albacares\u003c/em\u003e from the Indian Ocean can be considered safe for human consumption whereas the liver tissues are unsafe. A human with a body weight of 60 kg can consume white muscles up to 4.667 kg per week without exceeding the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake defined by WHO/FAO.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Bioaccumulation of cadmium in muscle and liver tissues of juvenile Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the Indian Ocean.","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-02-13 19:17:26","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3885168/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"26d05593-f8b7-462f-a094-5ef58b0fb9ab","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 13th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-07-24T07:09:46+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-3885168","link":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-024-03917-7","journal":{"identity":"bulletin-of-environmental-contamination-and-toxicology","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology"},"publishedOn":"2024-07-01 07:09:46","publishedOnDateReadable":"July 1st, 2024"},"versionCreatedAt":"2024-02-13 19:17:26","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1007/s00128-024-03917-7","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-024-03917-7","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3885168","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3885168","identity":"rs-3885168","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}