Metal concentration in muscle and digestive gland of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) from two coastal site in Southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy)

Abstract: Octopus vulgaris constitute an important part of most suitable marine resources for human consumption, however, they can represent a source in chemical contaminants intake such as heavy metals. In this scenario, the aim of the study was the evaluation of the concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) in the muscle and digestive gland of octopus caught from two different locations along Campania coast (Castellammare di Stabia and Napoli) and the estimation of their weekly human intake derived from the ingestion of octopus. Analysing 38 samples showed a higher concentration of Pb in the muscle of octopus in Castellammare di Stabia than in Napoli. No statistical differences were reported for Cd, Pb and Hg concentrations in the digestive gland of octopus between two sampling sites. Differences were observed between the two tissue types, with a higherlevelofCdandPbobservedinthedigestiveglandcomparedwiththemuscle. Noteworthy,the consumptionofmusclefromCastellammarediStabiacouldincreasePbintakeinheavyconsumersof localoctopus. Inconclusion,thepresentworkdeterminesthatitisimportanttoimprovestrategiesto minimize environmental pollution sources in these areas