A Closer Look at Arsenic Speciation in Freshwater Fish: The Need for Comprehensive Analysis

Newswise — In a review published in Volume 7 of the journal Food Quality and Safety, researchers from University of Alberta consolidated existing knowledge on arsenic speciation in freshwater fish. Their investigation delved into techniques for arsenic determination, highlighting the challenges and avenues for further research. A central focus of the study was the identification of arsenic species in fish, considering the effects of environmental arsenic concentrations, and exploring extraction, separation, and detection methodologies. It was observed that marine organisms often contain higher arsenic concentrations than their freshwater counterparts. Factors such as location, physiological state, and habitat influence arsenic levels in freshwater fish. While prominent arsenic species like arsenobetaine, As^III, As^V, monomethylarsonic acid, and dimethylarsinic acid have been identified, many remain elusive. The consistency and efficiency in arsenic extraction are paramount, yet the efficiency can vary among fish species, underlining the importance of method refinement. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is the preferred technique for arsenic separation, synergizing well with the leading detection tool, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). Despite progress in arsenic speciation and detection, inconsistencies between known arsenic species and detected total arsenic levels in fish remain, pinpointing unidentified species and accentuating the imperative for continued research.

Identifying the unknown arsenic species in freshwater fish is essential for a deeper understanding of potential health risks. By utilizing advanced detection techniques and conducting thorough studies, we can promote safer aquatic food consumption. Furthermore, a comprehensive grasp of arsenic speciation in these fish can pave the way for research into other food items, reinforcing our commitment to public health safety.

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References

DOI

10.1093/fqsafe/fyad032

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.1093/fqsafe/fyad032

Funding information

This work was supported by Alberta Health, Alberta Innovates, the Canada Research Chairs Program, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

About Food Quality and Safety

Food Quality and Safety (FQS) is an open access, international, peer-reviewed journal providing a platform to highlight emerging and innovative science and technology in the agro-food field, publishing up-to-date research in the areas of food quality, food safety, food nutrition and human health. It is covered by SCI-E and the 2022 Impact Factor (IF)=5.6, 5-yr IF=6.2.