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Determination of Mercury, Methylmercury and Selenium Concentrations in Elasmobranch Meat: Fish Consumption Safety

Author

Listed:
  • Arianna Storelli

    (Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutical Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy)

  • Grazia Barone

    (Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutical Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy)

  • Rita Garofalo

    (Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutical Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy)

  • Antonio Busco

    (Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutical Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy)

  • Maria Maddalena Storelli

    (Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutical Department, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy)

Abstract

This study measures total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and selenium (Se) concentrations in elasmobranch fish from an Italian market with the aim of evaluating the risk-benefit associated with their consumption, using estimated weekly intake (EWI), permissible safety level (MeHg PSL ), selenium health benefit value (HBV Se ) and monthly consumption rate limit (CR mm ) for each species. THg and Se were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry, while MeHg was determined by HrGc/Ms. THg and MeHg concentrations ranged from 0.61 to 1.25 μg g −1 w.w. and from 0.57 to 0.97 μg g −1 w.w., respectively, whereas Se levels were 0.49–0.65 μg g −1 w.w. In most samples European Community limits for THg were surpassed, while for MeHg none of the fish had levels above the limit adopted by FAO/WHO. EWIs for THg and MeHg in many cases were above the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs). MeHg PSL estimate showed that fish should contain approximately 50% of the concentration measured to avoid exceeding the PTWI. Nevertheless, the HBV Se index indicated that solely skates were safe for human consumption (HBV Se = 3.57–6.22). Our results highlight the importance of a constant monitoring of THg and MeHg level in fish, especially in apex predators, to avoid the risk of overexposure for consumers.

Suggested Citation

  • Arianna Storelli & Grazia Barone & Rita Garofalo & Antonio Busco & Maria Maddalena Storelli, 2022. "Determination of Mercury, Methylmercury and Selenium Concentrations in Elasmobranch Meat: Fish Consumption Safety," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:2:p:788-:d:722418
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carlos H. Pinzón-Bedoya & Martha L. Pinzón-Bedoya & José Pinedo-Hernández & Iván Urango-Cardenas & José Marrugo-Negrete, 2020. "Assessment of Potential Health Risks Associated with the Intake of Heavy Metals in Fish Harvested from the Largest Estuary in Colombia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-12, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Katarzyna Mazur-Włodarczyk & Agnieszka Gruszecka-Kosowska, 2022. "Sustainable or Not? Insights on the Consumption of Animal Products in Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-23, October.

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