In a recent study published in the journal Food, researchers from Italy, Albania and Montenegro conducted biomonitoring campaigns on fish and cephalopod species in the Mediterranean Sea to assess levels of cadmium, microplastics and antibiotic contamination. They found negligible contamination from cadmium and antibiotics, but high levels of microplastics in his stomach and intestine Sparus aurata (Sea bream gilt) and Dicentrarchus labrax (European sea bass).
Study: The EU Interreg project ‘ADRINET’: Assessment of known and emerging contaminants in seafood and their potential implications for food safety. Image credit: Al Pidgen / Shutterstock
Record
The Mediterranean Sea, a biodiversity hotspot, faces significant pollution from various sources, including industrial and anthropogenic activities, with potential risks to marine ecosystems and human health. The Adriatic Network for Marine Ecosystem (ADRINET) project, running from 2018 to 2020, aimed to address these challenges by improving coastal management and conserving biodiversity in collaboration with Italian, Albanian and Montenegrin partners. This initiative focused on three Mediterranean bays, analyzing fishing practices and the effects of pollution. Biomonitoring campaigns targeted key fish and cephalopod species to assess levels of cadmium, microplastic and antibiotic contamination. By providing scientific methodologies and tools for environmental risk management, ADRINET aimed to promote a sustainable Blue Economy, enhance food safety and protect marine ecosystems. Ongoing scientific evaluations beyond the duration of the project aim to provide continuous monitoring and harmonized results across all research groups until 2023.
In the present study, researchers examined the presence of major environmental contaminants including cadmium, antibiotics and microplastics in commercial fish and cephalopod species to improve environmental risk management and promote a sustainable Blue Economy.
About the study
From 2018 to 2020, sampling was conducted in three Mediterranean bays—Kastro Bay (Italy), Avlona Bay (Albania), and Boka Kotorska Bay (Montenegro). Various marine species were included, such as e.g Sparus aurata, Dicentrarchus labrax, Sepia spp., and Loligo spp. A total of 468 samples were collected for cadmium analysis, 260 for microplastic analysis and 420 samples for qualitative antibiotic analysis. In addition, from 2021 to 2023, 100 samples of it Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax were collected from each bay for further antibiotic evaluation using multiple residue analysis. Fishermen were trained to ensure consistent sample sizes.
Cadmium analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Microplastics were extracted using hydrogen peroxide treatment and filtration and examined under a stereomicroscope. Analysis of multiple antibiotic residues in fish samples was performed using high-resolution liquid chromatography high-performance mass spectrometry.
Results and discussion
Cadmium levels were measured in Loligo spp. and Sepia spp. from three bays, with concentrations mostly below the maximum levels (MLs) set by the European Union, except for the glands in Castro Bay. The study highlights potential cadmium contamination in marine cephalopods, particularly in specific areas such as Castro Bay.
All samples from the three bays contained microplastics in his gut and stomach Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax. Four types of microplastics were identified: fibres, fragments, plastic films and spherical granules. Airborne-microplastic contamination in blank samples was found to be minimal. While the lowest counts of microplastics were found in Boka Kotorska and Vlora Bay, the highest count was found in Castro Bay. ONE tt test showed a significant difference between microplastic counts in samples versus procedural blanks (p < 0.001), while analysis of variance revealed significant differences between sample groups (p < 0.05).
Quinolone and tetracyclines were detected in Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax samples from Castro Bay, while no antibiotic residues were found in samples from Vlora Bay and Boka Kotorska Bay. Multiresidue analysis confirmed these results, revealing the presence of flumecine, tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, and chlortetracycline only in samples from Castro Bay. The method showed high selectivity without interference in blank samples, good recoveries and robust fit of panel validation curves, indicating robustness with minimal matrix effect.
Based on the study’s findings, it is imperative to conduct monitoring and cleanup initiatives to identify sources of pollution and assess potential risks to public health. Furthermore, leveraging the framework established by the ADRINET project in the three sub-regions examined in this study could serve as a model for regional or national adoption, enabling monitoring of seawater pollution and ensuring seafood safety.
conclusion
In conclusion, the findings show that while the environmental conditions in the bays studied by the ADRINET project partners appear positive, with low levels of pollutants in the fish caught, the presence of microplastics in high concentrations in the stomach and intestine of some fishery products is of concern. In addition, the ADRINET project was established to promote international cooperation for territorial development and improve the quality of life for the populations involved. Consequently, the data collected will contribute to a better understanding of bay pollution and facilitate the implementation of strategies to ensure the quality and safety of seafood, thus supporting economic development in the study areas.
