Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The systematic review focused on the contamination of marine species by chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn), assessing their effects on animal health and the risk they pose to consumer health. It examined the sources of chromium and zinc in marine environments, such as industrial effluents from the steel and textile industries, and analyzed their bioaccumulation in marine organisms. Chromium, primarily in its hexavalent form (Cr(VI)), is noted for its toxic and carcinogenic properties, whereas zinc, although essential, can become toxic at high concentrations. The review aims to assess the levels of these metals in seafood, evaluate potential risks to human health, and discuss current regulatory standards.
Who is affected?
The primary stakeholders affected by the findings of this review include seafood consumers, particularly in areas with high industrial activity, as well as the marine ecosystem. Populations that rely heavily on seafood as a dietary staple may be at risk, especially where contamination levels exceed safety limits. Regulatory bodies, food manufacturers, and environmental agencies are key stakeholders in addressing contamination sources and enforcing safe consumption levels. Additionally, the health risk assessments conducted in the study highlight the potential exposure risks to both general consumers and vulnerable groups, such as children, from ingesting seafood contaminated with these heavy metals.
Most important findings
The review revealed that chromium and zinc contamination in marine species, particularly fish, can exceed established safety limits in certain regions. Notably, Cr levels in some marine organisms posed a carcinogenic risk, while excessive zinc levels contributed to non-carcinogenic health hazards. Regulatory agencies, including the FDA and the WHO, have set limits for these metals in seafood, with zinc being less regulated than chromium. Zinc contamination was found to be prevalent in marine environments impacted by industrial activities such as mining and fertilizer runoff, while chromium contamination was linked to industries such as electroplating and leather tanning. The study also noted that fish species living in polluted waters or near industrial areas showed higher levels of metal bioaccumulation, raising concerns for consumer health.
Key implications
The contamination of marine species with chromium and zinc presents significant public health concerns, especially for consumers in regions with limited monitoring or stringent food safety regulations. While chromium is essential in trace amounts, its hexavalent form poses substantial health risks, including cancer, when consumed at elevated levels. Zinc, while also essential, becomes toxic in higher concentrations, potentially causing gastrointestinal issues and other health effects. For the industry, it is critical to monitor these metals in seafood products regularly and enforce compliance with international safety limits. Future regulatory alignment is essential to address emerging environmental factors that influence the bioavailability and toxicity of these metals in marine environments.
Citation
Ramos-Filho, A. M., Rodrigues, A., & Conte-Junior, C. A. (2025). A Systematic Review on Contamination of Marine Species by Chromium and Zinc: Effects on Animal Health and Risk to Consumer Health. Journal of Xenobiotics, 15(4), 121. https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15040121
Chromium (Cr) is a widely used metal with significant public health implications, especially in its toxic hexavalent form. The HMTC program’s stricter regulations ensure that chromium exposure is minimized, safeguarding consumer health, particularly for vulnerable populations.
