Estimación de riesgo de exposición a metales pesados por consumo de plecos (Pterygoplichthys spp.) en infantes de comunidades ribereñas de los ríos Grijalva y Usumacinta, México

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the concentration levels in muscle tissue of invasive fish Pterygoplichthys spp. and to estimate the risk of exposure to heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Mn and Pb) in infants by ingestion using probabilistic scenarios modeling in the sub-basins Grijalva and Usumacinta located in the states of Chiapas and Tabasco, Mexico. The following average metal concentrations in muscle tissue were obtained in µg/kg: Mn = 734.70, Cr = 315. 16 = 204.62 Pb and Cd = 38.04. Exposure dose to Cd, Cr and Mn were estimated using Monte Carlo analysis. The analysis showed low risk quotient for both sub-basins. Because there has not been reported reference dose of exposure to Pb we used the Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model (IEUBK) to estimate infant (36-60 months old) blood concentrations of Pb by eating fish. Results are shown as percentage of population > 5 µg Pb/dL of blood 2.792 and 7.254 for sub-basins Grijalva and Usumacinta respectively. Both values indicate that there is a risk in children. However, it is necessary to have a detailed study that considers factors such as age and size of the fish taken, as well as evaluate the concentration in sub-products such as fishmeal and influence in the concentration of the cooking processes.