Consumption of bivalve molluscs in Italy: estimated intake of cadmium and lead.

Concentrations of cadmium and lead were determined in nine different species of mollusc bivalves (Modiolus barbatus, Venus verrucosa, Scapharca inaequivalvis, Tapes decussatus, Callista chione, Pecten jacobeus, Ensis siliqua, Venus gallina, Cardium tubercolata) collected from different coastal areas of the Adriatic Sea (north, middle and south Adriatic). The levels of cadmium and lead found in bivalves from the north Adriatic Sea were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than those detected in those from the middle and south Adriatic Sea. In some species of molluscan bivalves (M. barbatus and T. decussatus) from the north Adriatic Sea, concentrations of cadmium and lead exceeded the maximum limit (2 mg/kg w.w.) established by the Italian legislation. Weekly intakes were estimated and compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) recommended by the FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.