نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 گروه بهداشت خوراک دام ، دانشکده دامپزشکی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، ایران
2 موسسه آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی (AREEO)، تهران، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Introduction: Fish feeding is typically composed of various ingredients, some of which may be contaminated with chemical hazards, especially heavy metals, due to environmental pollution or poor processing practices. For instance, researchers demonstrated that the distribution of heavy metals in fish tissues is significantly influenced by the metal load present in water, sediment, and feedstuffs that contaminated final product. Many commercial feed producers fail to meet safety standards, leading to the incorporation of contaminated raw materials into fish feed. The feed used in aquaculture is crucial and has a significant impact on the health and quality of aquatic organisms, which in turn affects public health for humans. If the feed for aquatic animals is exposed to chemical contaminants, it poses risks not only to the health of the fish but also to the final consumers. Chemical hazards in aquaculture can lead to bioaccumulation in fish, ultimately affecting the end consumers of these products.
Description: Contaminants such as heavy metals, mycotoxins, persistent organic pollutants, and veterinary drug residues are prevalent in aqua feeds and can accumulate in fish tissues, leading to food safety concerns. For instance, researchers highlight the presence of metals such as mercury and cadmium in fish feeds, which can adversely affect the quality of aquaculture products. Mycotoxin contamination in plant-based feed ingredients can lead to significant health issues in fish and, consequently, in humans consuming these fish. The World Health Organization has reported that a significant percentage of diseases in human populations worldwide can be attributed to prolonged exposure to environmental pollutants, including heavy metals. This highlights the urgent need to monitor and regulate heavy metal levels in aquatic environments to safeguard both fish health and public health. In communities where fish consumption is higher due to its nutritional value, the risk of exposure to heavy metals is also increased. Therefore, assessing the health risks associated with heavy metal exposure in fish consumption guidelines is essential for informing consumers about potential dangers. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals is influenced by several factors, including the fish species, the concentration of metals in the environment, and the duration of exposure. For instance, benthic fish species typically exhibit higher levels of heavy metals compared to pelagic species due to their feeding habits and exposure to sediments that are often rich in pollutants. This accumulation of heavy metals can result in biological residues, where larger fish, higher in the food chain, accumulate greater concentrations of these toxic substances, thereby increasing the health risks associated with the consumption of such fish. By understanding the pathways of contamination and implementing effective remediation and management practices, the aquaculture industry can work towards ensuring the safety and sustainability of fish farming practices. The transition from traditional fishmeal-based feeds to alternative protein sources, coupled with effective waste management and the use of probiotics, can significantly reduce the ecological footprint of aquaculture. By prioritizing sustainability in feed formulation and aquaculture practices, the industry can contribute to the conservation of marine resources, enhance food security, and promote the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the presence of contaminants in aquaculture feed sources is a multifaceted issue that poses significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Heavy metals, mycotoxins, and persistent organic pollutants are prevalent in aqua feeds and can lead to bioaccumulation in fish, ultimately affecting consumers. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from producers, regulators, and researchers to ensure the safety and sustainability of aquaculture practices. Today, in light of the importance of reducing chemical pollutants and hazards in food for both humans and animals, it is crucial to implement control and monitoring measures for raw materials and complete feed for aquatic organisms within the commercial feed production chain in manufacturing facilities. To address this issue, permissible limits, also referred to as maximum tolerable levels, are established for these substances.
کلیدواژهها [English]