Implications and Significance of Methyl Mercury Toxicity and Exposure in Riceand Fish

Abstract

Rice and fish are staple food items in many cultures and are particularly vulnerable to the accumulation of heavy metals, specifically mercury, when exposed to agricultural contamination via agricultural soils and water sources. These contaminated foods are then consumed by higher organisms up in the food chain, leading to further accumulation of the mercury, a process known as bio-amplification. Mercury is considered to be the most toxic heavy metal due to the fact that it causes significant systemic toxic effects. This commentary discusses the implications and significance of mercury in rice and fish and illustrates the necessity for further research to demonstrate the importance for public awareness and education for prevention of exposure to mercury via fish and rice ingestion.