Exposure assessment for mercury from consumption of marine fish in Iran

Abstract

Seven species of marine fish in the Persian Gulf and three species of marine fish in the Caspian Sea were collected from the local wholesale market in Mashhad, Iran. The mercury (Hg) concentration in muscle samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. High total Hg concentration was found in Anchovy sprat (2.04 ± 1.23 µg g−1) and Whitecheek shark (1.26 ± 1.85 µg g−1) and the lowest content was detected in common carp (0.24 ± 0.24 µg g−1) and Caspian salmon (0.25 ± 0.08 µg g−1). The mean Hg content in all samples was 0.91 ± 1.07 µg g−1. All samples of Persian Gulf and one sample of Caspian Sea had mean Hg concentration above 0.5 µg g−1, the level established by joint FAO/WHO on Food Additives. Results showed that the estimated weekly intake of total Hg by a 60 kg adult is below the provisional tolerable weekly intakes recommended by joint FAO/WHO on Food Additives. For prevention of health risks, populations in Iran need to consume fish in moderate amounts.