Chemical and microbiological contamination in limpets (Patella aspera) of the Portuguese coast

Coastal production areas can be impacted by anthropogenic contamination from urban, agro-industrial and leisure activities. Some contaminants, such as chemical substances, might also have a telluric origin. Non filter feeding univalve mollusks, limpets, which are collected in rocky shores either for sale or auto-consumption, very appreciated Portugal, but been excluded provisions on the classification of areas, although they present relevant their human consumption may not risk-free. Thus, aim this study was to assess microbiological toxic metal contaminations limpets (Patella aspera) Portuguese coast, taking into account area seasonal variation, comparing levels with those occurring bivalve mollusk indicator species, mussels (Mytilus edulis). The risks associated limpet meals were assessed. For that, microbial total fecal cadmium, lead mercury contents mussel samples, three coastal over several months, evaluated based standard methodologies. Contents studied, always below limits 0.50 mg kg−1(ww) 1.5 allowed EU, respectively. Regarding above limit 1.0 kg−1, reaching about 3.0 some samples. These values probably indicate origin (soil rocks) studied areas. Results indicated that low general detection level. Contamination did show clear pattern. two mussels, statistically differed all contaminants analyzed, being cadmium most concern, higher than So, potential risk consumption, tolerable weekly intake (TWI), investigated, possible reach reliable recommendation less monthly meal (160 g) specific case As recreational picking is common official recommendations maximum periodic should published enforcement increased forbidden