ObjectiveTo investigate the level of cadmium(Cd)in commercial aquatic products in Xiacheng District, Hangzhou.

MethodsWe randomly collected 293 aquatic products which belonged to six aquatic animals in the markets in Xiacheng District to determine the content of Cd. It was further evaluated by single factor pollution index(PI)according to the standard GB 2762-2017. In 11 samples of swimming crabs, Cd was examined in the different parts.

ResultsThere was no significant difference in the content of Cd between the samples collected in the markets and those in the supermarkets. It significantly differed in the samples of different aquatic animals(P < 0.05). The prevalence of Cd that exceeded the standard was as follows: seawater crustaceans(28.6%) > cephalopods(11.1%) > freshwater crustaceans(8.4%) > bivalves(6.9%). However, it was not excessive in the samples of fish. The mean level of Cd in the seawater crustaceans was 0.466 3 mg/kg, which resulted in the proportion of the samples that were excessive being 28.6%. Particularly, the mean level in sea crab was as high as 1.101 mg/kg with the proportion being 66.7%. In the samples of swimming crabs, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of Cd between swimming crab gonads and crab chests or legs(P > 0.05), while no statistical difference between crab chests and legs(P > 0.05).

ConclusionThe content of Cd in the aquatic products may be excessive in Xiacheng District, which warrants additional regulatory efforts to food safety. The public should reduce the consumption of aquatic products with high content of Cd.