Análisis de metales pesados en el atún

Abstract

Industrial and mining activities cause the release of toxic metals such as Pb, Hg, Cd, and As, they are very harmful to human health and the environment that surrounds us. Because these elements are not chemically biodegradable, they are dangerous, because once released, they can remain in the environment for a long time. The purpose of this research is the analysis of the content of heavy metals present in tuna in relation to national and international standards. The method used is qualitative, descriptive and explanatory through bibliographic research and the analysis of journal articles, collecting information on the issue raised. Two cases executed in the city of Guayaquil were compared. In the 1st case, the presence of mercury was evidenced, in low concentrations, quantities that were below the limit established by national and international technical standards. Regarding the 2nd case, the presence of Pb and Cd in the Thunnus alalunga species was determined in 15 samples. In 4 out of 15 samples analyzed, Cd was detected in low amounts. However, the analysis that determined the presence of Pb was higher, of the 15 samples in 9 of them the presence of this metal was evidenced. Through comparative analysis, the following can be concluded: tuna with a content of heavy metals in high or low concentrations causes reactions in the human organism. Therefore, for tuna to be fit for consumption, it must go through processes that validate its safety.