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Updated: Dec 6, 2025

Determination of Inorganic Arsenic in a Wide Range of Food Matrices using Hydride Generation - Atomic Absorption Spectrometry.
Published on: September 1, 2017
Arsenic in shellfish: A systematic review of its dynamics and potential health risks
Lilian Seiko Kato1, Rafaela Gomes Ferrari2, João Victor Meirelles Leite3
1Chemistry Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Athos da Silveira Ramos, number 149 - Bloco A, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil; Center for Food Analysis (NAL-LADETEC), Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil.
Abstract:
Arsenic is the most toxic element for humans. Presenting naturally in aquatic ecosystems and due to anthropogenic action, this semi-metal transfers to shellfish through the food chain. This systematic review aims to explain the dynamic of arsenic in the marine aquatic system, investigating factors that affect its bioaccumulation. A total of 64 articles were considered from three databases. The key abiotic factor influencing the presence of arsenic in shellfish is anthropogenic contamination, followed by geographic location. The crucial biotic factor is the genetics of each species of shellfish, including their diet habits, habitat close to the sediment, metabolic abilities, physiological activities of organisms, and metal levels in their habitats and food. Finally, arsenic presents an affinity for specific tissues in shellfish. Despite containing mostly less toxic organic arsenic, shellfish are a relevant source of arsenic in the human diet.
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